Exploring valence-electron dynamics of xenon through laser-induced electron diffraction

Abstract

Strong-field ionization can induce electron motion in both the continuum and valence shell of the parent ion. Here we report on a joint theoretical and experimental investigation of laser-induced electron diffraction in xenon. We explore the interplay of electron recollision with spin-orbit dynamics in the valence shell of the xenon cation. On the theory side, the electron-hole potentials for two different states are constructed, and the quantitative rescattering model is used to calculate the photoelectron momentum distributions (PMDs) for high-order above-threshold ionization of xenon. Measurements were carried out using 40-fs laser pulses with a central wavelength of 3100 nm and a peak laser intensity of 6×1013W/cm2. The simulated PMDs describe well the features of the measured angular distributions of photoelectrons. Our study reveals a theoretical distinction between the electron signals resulting from rescattering off the 𝑚=0 and |𝑚|=1 hole states, particularly noting a distinct change along the backward scattering angles. However, to fully identify the contributions of the hole states, a more accurate agreement between theory and experiment will be needed.

Julian Späthe

PhD student

Sebastian Hell

PhD student

I’m curious about atoms and molecules and their dynamics when exposed to ultrashort laser and XUV light pulses as well as ultrafast laser technology.

Matthias Kübel

Junior Research Group Leader

My research interests include attosecond science, atomic and molecular physics and ultrafast laser technology.