  The ultrafast electronic and nuclear dynamics of H2 laser-induced double
ionization is studied using a time-dependent wave packet approach that goes
beyond the fixed nuclei approximation. The double ionization pathways are
analyzed by following the evolution of the total wave function during and after
the pulse. The rescattering of the first ionized electron produces a coherent
superposition of excited molecular states which presents a pronounced transient
H+H- character. This attosecond excitation is followed by field-induced double
ionization and by the formation of short-lived autoionizing states which decay
via double ionization. These two double ionization mechanisms may be identified
by their signature imprinted in the kinetic-energy distribution of the ejected
protons.
