We show the existence of a permanent molecular planar alignment in field-free conditions. We present different control strategies using shaped laser pulses to reach this state. The strategies are robust with respect to the temperature and can be implemented with the state of the art technology. They can be applied not only to linear molecules but also to symmetric or asymmetric top molecules along the most polarizable molecular axis. We propose potential applications of this planar alignment such as the increase of the adsorption on a surface.

• Received 2 September 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.80.051403