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Ionization of linear alcohols by strong optical fields
D Mathur1, T Hatamoto, M Okunishi
1Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. A
|August 23, 2007
Summary
Linear alcohols exhibit atom-like behavior in strong-field ionization at 800 nm. Molecular effects become significant at 400 nm, revealing limitations of the atom-like model in strong field dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Strong-field ionization is a fundamental process in quantum optics.
- Understanding molecular ionization dynamics is crucial for controlling light-matter interactions.
- Linear alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol) serve as model systems for studying molecular ionization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the strong-field ionization dynamics of linear alcohols.
- To differentiate between multiphoton and tunneling ionization regimes.
- To explore the applicability of atomic ionization models to molecular systems.
Main Methods:
- Irradiation of gas-phase linear alcohols with intense, femtosecond laser pulses at 800 nm and 400 nm.
- High-resolution electron spectroscopy to measure kinetic energies of ionized electrons.
- Analysis using the adiabaticity parameter and the Keldysh-Faisal-Reiss model.
Main Results:
- At 800 nm, ionization dynamics align with the Keldysh-Faisal-Reiss model, suggesting atom-like behavior.
- The adiabaticity parameter effectively distinguishes between multiphoton and tunneling ionization regimes.
- At 400 nm, deviations from atom-like behavior indicate the influence of molecular-specific effects.
Conclusions:
- Linear alcohols display atom-like characteristics in strong-field ionization under specific conditions (800 nm).
- The Keldysh-Faisal-Reiss model provides a useful framework for understanding these dynamics.
- Shorter wavelengths (400 nm) highlight the limitations of atomic models and the importance of molecular structure.
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