Comparison of strong-field dissociation dynamics in Li$_2^+$ and H$_2^+$

Building on previous studies for H$_2^+$, we investigate the dissociation dynamics of Li$_2^+$ in intense laser fields. As the simplest alkali dimer ion, Li$_2^+$ provides a natural prototype system for study after H$_2^+$. Moreover, the more complex electronic structure of Li$_2^+$ allows numerous excited electronic states to play a role in the dynamics, marking a departure from the typical two-state approach used for H$_2^+$. In this study, we solve the time-dependent Schr\"{o}dinger equation in full dimensionality. We identify the dominant dissociation channels over a range of laser parameters, and compare how short-pulse carrier-envelope phase effects are manifest in each molecule. \\[4pt] This work is supported by the Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy.