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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Measurement of Ultrafast Vibrational Coherences in Polyatomic Radical Cations with Strong-Field Adiabatic Ionization
Published on: August 6, 2018
Extreme ionization of Xe clusters driven by ultraintense laser fields
Andreas Heidenreich1, Isidore Last, Joshua Jortner
1School of Chemistry, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Tel-Aviv, Israel.
This study explores extreme multielectron ionization in xenon clusters using theoretical models and simulations. We found that laser intensity and cluster size influence ionization, with barrier suppression ionization dominating at high intensities and electron impact ionization at lower intensities.
Area of Science:
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Laser-Matter Interactions
- Computational Chemistry
Background:
- Extreme multielectron ionization of atomic clusters is a complex phenomenon.
- Understanding ionization mechanisms is crucial for controlling laser-driven processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate extreme multielectron ionization in xenon clusters (Xe(n)) driven by ultraintense infrared laser fields.
- To elucidate the roles of cluster size, laser intensity, and pulse duration on ionization dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Application of theoretical models and molecular dynamics simulations.
- Analysis of cluster compound ionization through inner ionization, nanoplasma formation, and outer ionization.
- Investigation of barrier suppression ionization (BSI) and electron impact ionization (EII) contributions.
Main Results:
- High ionization levels ([Xe(q+)](n), q=2-36) were observed, influenced by BSI and EII.
- BSI dominates at high laser intensities (10^18-10^20 W cm^-2).
- EII is significant at lower intensities (10^15-10^16 W cm^-2), increasing with cluster size and pulse length, and is pronounced in the cluster center.
Conclusions:
- Laser pulse length can control extreme ionization products at lower intensities.
- The interplay between BSI and EII governs ionization in Xe clusters.
- Simulations provide insights into experimentally observable ionization levels.
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