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Quantum path interferences of electron trajectories in two-center molecules
Weifeng Yang1, Xiaohong Song, Zhinan Zeng
1State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China. wfeng_yang@yahoo.com.cn
Optics Express
|February 23, 2010
Summary
We discovered a new quantum interference effect in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) from molecules. This finding reveals insights into electron trajectories and attosecond electronic dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Molecular dynamics
- Attosecond science
Background:
- High-order harmonic generation (HHG) is a key process for generating ultrashort light pulses.
- Understanding electron dynamics in molecules is crucial for attosecond science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel quantum path interference effect in HHG from two-center molecules.
- To investigate the relationship between interference minima and electron trajectories.
Main Methods:
- Quantum calculations of time-frequency analyses.
- Classical simulations of electron trajectories.
- Analysis of HHG spectra and attosecond pulse generation.
Main Results:
- A new quantum path interference effect was observed in HHG.
- Interference minima are located in the high-energy region of the HHG spectrum.
- Time-frequency analysis clearly shows interference fringes within half an optical cycle.
- Agreement between quantum calculations and classical electron trajectories was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The positions of interference minima correlate with the cutoff of molecular electron trajectories.
- HHG spectral and temporal characteristics allow tracing interference information.
- These phenomena provide new avenues for studying attosecond electronic dynamics in molecules.
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