Classical Wigner phase space approximation to cumulative matrix elements in coherent control

The classical limit of the Wigner-Weyl representation is used to approximate products of bound-continuum matrix elements that are fundamental to many coherent control computations. The range of utility of the method is quantified through an examination of model problems, single-channel Na-2 dissociation and multiarrangement channel photodissociation of CH2IBr. Very good agreement with the exact quantum results is found for a wide range of system parameters. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.