Molecular collisions in a laser field - Effect of the laser linewidth

The effect of the laser linewidth on molecular collision processes taking place in a laser field is studied, using an approximation scheme that replaces the actual frequency distribution of the field by a finite number of frequencies and weights. The choice of the frequencies and weights is conveniently accomplished by the method of Gaussian quadrature. Close-coupling calculations are performed on model systems, and the results indicate that the neglect of the laser linewidth may be justified in most collision processes in a laser field.