1 research outputs found
Phase metrology with multi-cycle two-colour pulses
Strong-field phenomena driven by an intense infrared (IR) laser depend on
during what part of the field cycle they are initiated. By changing the
sub-cycle character of the laser electric field it is possible to control such
phenomena. For long pulses, sub-cycle shaping of the field can be done by
adding a relatively weak, second harmonic of the driving field to the pulse.
Through constructive and destructive interference, the combination of strong
and weak fields can be used to change the probability of a strong-field process
being initiated at any given part of the cycle. In order to control sub-cycle
phenomena with optimal accuracy, it is necessary to know the phase difference
of the strong and the weak fields precisely. If the weaker field is an even
harmonic of the driving field, electrons ionized by the field will be
asymmetrically distributed between the positive and negative directions of the
combined fields. Information about the asymmetry can yield information about
the phase difference. A technique to measure asymmetry for few-cycle pulses,
called Stereo-ATI (Above Threshold Ionization), has been developed by [Paulus G
G, et al 2003 Phys. Rev. Lett. 91]. This paper outlines an extension of this
method to measure the phase difference between a strong IR and its second
harmonic