Experimental Observation of Laser Control: Electronic Branching in the Photodissociation of Na2

Control over the product branching ratio in the photodissociation of N${\mathrm{a}}_2$ into $\mathrm{Na}\left(3s\right)+\mathrm{Na}\left(3p\right)$ and $\mathrm{Na}\left(3s\right)+\mathrm{Na}\left(3d\right)$ is demonstrated using a two-photon incoherent interference control scenario. Ordinary pulsed nanosecond lasers are used and N${\mathrm{a}}_2$ is at thermal equilibrium in a heat pipe. Results show a depletion in the $\mathrm{Na}\left(3d\right)$ product of at least 25% and a concomitant increase in the $\mathrm{Na}\left(3p\right)$ yield as the relative frequency of the two lasers is scanned.