Optimization of quantum trajectories driven by strong-field waveforms
File(s)1308.5510v2.pdf (3.86 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Quasifree field-driven electron trajectories are a key element of strong-field dynamics. Upon recollision with the parent ion, the energy transferred from the field to the electron may be released as attosecond-duration extreme ultaviolet emission in the process of high-harmonic generation. The conventional sinusoidal driver fields set limitations on the maximum value of this energy transfer and the efficient return of the launched electron trajectories. It has been predicted that these limits can be significantly exceeded by an appropriately ramped-up cycle shape [L. E. Chipperfield et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 063003 (2009)]. Here, we present an experimental realization of similar cycle-shaped waveforms and demonstrate control of the high-harmonic generation process on the single-atom quantum level via attosecond steering of the electron trajectories. With our improved optical cycles, we boost the field ionization launching the electron trajectories, increase the subsequent field-to-electron energy transfer, and reduce the trajectory duration. We demonstrate, in realistic experimental conditions, 2 orders of magnitude enhancement of the generated extreme ultraviolet flux together with an increased spectral extension. This application, which is only one example of what can be achieved with cycle-shaped high-field light waves, has significant implications for attosecond spectroscopy and molecular self-probing.
Date Issued
2014-05-19
Date Acceptance
2014-05-19
Citation
Physical Review X, 2014, 4 (2)
ISSN
2160-3308
Publisher
American Physical Society
Journal / Book Title
Physical Review X
Volume
4
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI.
License URL
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Grant Number
EP/F034601/1
EP/E028063/1
EP/J002348/1
EP/I032517/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Physics
HARMONIC-GENERATION
LASER FIELD
EMISSION
PULSES
IONIZATION
REGIME
PHASE
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 021028