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Electron-electron momentum exchange in strong field double ionization
M Weckenbrock1, A Becker, A Staudte
1Institut für Kernphysik, Universität Frankfurt, D-60486 Frankfurt, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|October 4, 2003
Summary
Strong field double ionization of argon reveals that electrons preferentially exit in opposite directions, driven by Coulomb correlation. Further effects are crucial for understanding the three-body breakup dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Laser-Matter Interactions
Background:
- Strong field double ionization is a complex process involving multiple charged particles.
- Understanding electron momentum correlation is key to probing ionization dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the momentum balance of two electrons during strong field double ionization of argon.
- Clarify the role of electron-electron Coulomb correlation in the ionization process.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurements of electron momentum distributions.
- Theoretical model calculations for strong field double ionization.
- Analysis of argon ionization at 780 nm and 1.9 x 10^14 W/cm^2.
Main Results:
- Electrons preferentially emerge in opposite directions perpendicular to the laser polarization.
- Model calculations show good agreement with experimental data.
- Coulomb correlation plays a dominant role in this specific geometry.
Conclusions:
- Electron-electron Coulomb correlation is a primary driver in strong field double ionization dynamics.
- Discrepancies between theory and experiment highlight the need to include additional effects in three-body breakup models.