Muonic Molecules in Superintense Laser Fields

We study theoretically the ionization and dissociation of muonic molecular ions (e.g., $dd\mu$) in superintense laser fields. We predict that the bond breaks by tunneling of the lightest ion through a bond-softened barrier at intensity $I\ge {10}^{21}\mathrm{W}/\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{\mathrm{2}}$. Ionization of the muonic atomic fragment occurs at much higher intensity $I\ge 6\times {10}^{22}\mathrm{W}/\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{\mathrm{2}}$. Since the field controls the ion trajectory after dissociation, it forces recollision of a $\sim {10}^5–{10}^6\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}$ ion with the muonic atom. Recollision can trigger a nuclear reaction with sub-laser-cycle precision. In general, molecules can serve as precursors for laser control of nuclear processes.