Non-sequential double ionization with near-single cycle laser pulses

A three-dimensional semiclassical model is used to study double ionization of Ar when driven by a near-infrared and near-single-cycle laser pulse for intensities ranging from 0.85 x 10(14) W/cm(2) to 5 x 10(14) W/cm(2). Asymmetry parameters, distributions of the sum of the two electron momentum components along the direction of the polarization of the laser field and correlated electron momenta are computed as a function of the intensity and of the carrier envelope phase. A very good agreement is found with recently obtained results in kinematically complete experiments employing near-single-cycle laser pulses. Moreover, the contribution of the direct and delayed pathways of double ionization is investigated for the above observables. Finally, an experimentally obtained anti-correlation momentum pattern at higher intensities is reproduced with the three-dimensional semiclassical model and shown to be due to a transition from strong to soft recollisions with increasing intensity

Ion microscopy with evolutionary-algorithm-based autofocusing

Ion microscopy is an established technique for laser focus diagnostics and the accurate, intensity-resolved measurement of laser ionization processes. In the present feasibility study, we discuss a new ion microscope design, which improves its resolution across a large range of magnifications and simplifies its operation. Instead of the common two einzel lens configuration, which is usually optimized for a fixed magnification, we propose a generic design consisting of an array of equally spaced ring electrodes, whose individually adjustable voltages are controlled by an evolutionary algorithm. In this way, we can realize aberration minimized magnifications between 25 and 100. Moreover, the algorithm can adjust the voltage settings under changing experimental conditions and facilitates autofocusing for user-defined magnification

Reaction Nanoscopy of Ion Emission from Sub-wavelength Propanediol Droplets

Droplets provide unique opportunities for the investigation of laser-induced surface chemistry. Chemical reactions on the surface of charged droplets are ubiquitous in nature and can provide critical insight into more efficient processes for industrial chemical production. Here, we demonstrate the application of the reaction nanoscopy technique to strong-field ionized nanodroplets of propanediol (PDO). The technique's sensitivity to the near-field around the droplet allows for the in-situ characterization of the average droplet size and charge. The use of ultrashort laser pulses enables control of the amount of surface charge by the laser intensity. Moreover, we demonstrate the surface chemical sensitivity of reaction nanoscopy by comparing droplets of the isomers 1,2-PDO and 1,3-PDO in their ion emission and fragmentation channels. Referencing the ion yields to gas-phase data, we find an enhanced production of methyl cations from droplets of the 1,2-PDO isomer. Density functional theory simulations support that this enhancement is due to the alignment of 1,2-PDO molecules on the surface. The results pave the way towards spatio-temporal observations of charge dynamics and surface reactions on droplets in pump-probe studies

Spectral interferometry with waveform-dependent relativistic high-order harmonics from plasma surfaces

The interaction of ultra-intense laser pulses with matter opened the way to generate the shortest light pulses available nowadays in the attosecond regime. Ionized solid surfaces, also called plasma mirrors, are promising tools to enhance the potential of attosecond sources in terms of photon energy, photon number and duration especially at relativistic laser intensities. Although the production of isolated attosecond pulses and the understanding of the underlying interactions represent a fundamental step towards the realization of such sources, these are challenging and have not yet been demonstrated. Here, we present laser-waveform-dependent high-order harmonic radiation in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range supporting well-isolated attosecond pulses, and utilize spectral interferometry to understand its relativistic generation mechanism. This unique interpretation of the measured spectra provides access to unrevealed temporal and spatial properties such as spectral phase difference between attosecond pulses and field-driven plasma surface motion during the process

Few-cycle laser driven reaction nanoscopy on aerosolized silica nanoparticles

Nanoparticles offer unique properties as photocatalysts with large surface areas. Under irradiation with light, the associated near-fields can induce, enhance, and control molecular adsorbate reactions on the nanoscale. So far, however, there is no simple method available to spatially resolve the near-field induced reaction yield on the surface of nanoparticles. Here we close this gap by introducing reaction nanoscopy based on three-dimensional momentum-resolved photoionization. The technique is demonstrated for the spatially selective proton generation in few-cycle laser-induced dissociative ionization of ethanol and water on SiO2 nanoparticles, resolving a pronounced variation across the particle surface. The results are modeled and reproduced qualitatively by electrostatic and quasi-classical mean-field Mie Monte-Carlo (M3C) calculations. Reaction nanoscopy is suited for a wide range of isolated nanosystems and can provide spatially resolved ultrafast reaction dynamics on nanoparticles, clusters, and droplets

Measuring a Few-pulse Attotrain from CEP-dependent Relativistic High Harmonics

We present laser-waveform-dependent relativistic high harmonics from plasma surfaces, and use spectral interferometry to understand its generation process. The attotrain structure as well as the field-driven plasma surface motion during the process are revealed