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Abstract

We demonstrate strong adiabatic laser alignment and mixed-field orientation at kHz repetition rates. We observe the degrees of alignment as large as ⟨cos²θ⟩_2D=0.94 at 1 kHz operation for iodobenzene. The experimental setup consists of a kHz laser system simultaneously producing pulses of 30 fs (1.3 mJ) and 450 ps (9 mJ). A cold 1-K state-selected molecular beam is produced at the same rate by appropriate operation of an Even–Lavie valve. Quantum state selection has been obtained using an electrostatic deflector. A camera and data acquisition system records and analyses the images on a single-shot basis. The system is capable of producing, controlling (translation and rotation) and analysing cold molecular beams at kHz repetition rates and is therefore ideally suited for the recording of ultrafast dynamics in so-called ‘molecular movies’.