Theory of attosecond electron dynamics induced by strong XUV and X-ray laser fields
File(s)
Author(s)
Leeuwenburgh, Jonathan
Type
Thesis
Abstract
This thesis describes interactions between atomic or molecular systems and intense laser fields. Methods for time resolving sub-femtosecond scale Auger-type dynamics in molecules and atoms are discussed. The thesis presents a novel technique for recovering such dynamics by clocking the process with high-harmonic generation.
The harmonic generation is driven by an attosecond pump pulse and a long duration,
infrared pulse. The technique is then theoretically applied to Auger decay of krypton upon ionisation from the 3d subshell and inner-valence hole dynamics of small molecules. We then examine the extent to which these techniques, which utilise strong fields, can influence the electron dynamics they seek to measure. We describe the coupling
between the bound state to a dressed continuum (as opposed to a field-free continuum) and the effect on the Auger decay rate in a sample system is calculated. We then look ahead to possible ways in which the probing strong field may influence the electron dynamics themselves.
The harmonic generation is driven by an attosecond pump pulse and a long duration,
infrared pulse. The technique is then theoretically applied to Auger decay of krypton upon ionisation from the 3d subshell and inner-valence hole dynamics of small molecules. We then examine the extent to which these techniques, which utilise strong fields, can influence the electron dynamics they seek to measure. We describe the coupling
between the bound state to a dressed continuum (as opposed to a field-free continuum) and the effect on the Auger decay rate in a sample system is calculated. We then look ahead to possible ways in which the probing strong field may influence the electron dynamics themselves.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2015-09
Date Awarded
2016-02
Copyright Statement
Attribution NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-ND)
Advisor
Averbukh, Vitali
Ivanov, Misha
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Publisher Department
Physics
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)