Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

07:39
Determination of the Excitation and Coupling Rates Between Light Emitters and Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Published on: July 21, 2018
Ultrafast monoenergetic electron source by optical waveform control of surface plasmons
1Research Institute for Solid-State Physics and Optics, H-1121 Budapest, Konkoly-Thege M. út 29-33, Hungary. dombi@szfki.hu
Optics Express
|June 11, 2008
Summary
We demonstrate precise control over electron acceleration at metal surfaces using tailored laser pulses and surface plasmon polaritons. This method generates highly directional, monoenergetic electron beams for advanced ultrafast electron applications.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Surface science
- Ultrafast phenomena
Background:
- Controlling electron emission from surfaces is crucial for ultrafast science.
- Surface plasmon polaritons offer unique light-matter interaction pathways at metal surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To achieve coherent control over photoelectron acceleration at metal surfaces.
- To investigate the role of optical waveform shaping in electron emission.
- To generate highly directional and monoenergetic electron pulses.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing surface plasmon polaritons to mediate electron acceleration.
- Employing few-cycle laser pulses with controlled amplitude and phase.
- Numerical simulations of laser-surface interactions and electron emission dynamics.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated spectral and spatial control over photoelectron emission.
- Achieved highly directional and monoenergetic electron beams.
- Showcased the influence of optical waveform parameters, including carrier-envelope phase, on emission characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Coherent control of photoelectron acceleration is feasible via surface plasmon polaritons.
- Tailored optical waveforms enable precise manipulation of electron beam properties.
- The generated electron pulses are suitable for advanced ultrafast electron spectroscopy and imaging.

