Laser-enabled Auger decay in rare-gas atoms

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Laser-Induced Phenomena

Background:

• Auger decay typically involves filling inner-shell holes, releasing an electron.
• In rare-gas atoms, filling an inner-valence shell ns hole is energetically forbidden under normal conditions.
• High laser intensities can alter atomic electron behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel laser-enabled Auger decay channel in rare-gas atoms.
• To understand how strong laser fields enable otherwise forbidden Auger decay pathways.
• To explore the potential for controlling electron dynamics via this laser-induced process.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical investigation of Auger decay in rare-gas atoms under strong laser fields.
• Analysis of electron dynamics and ionization yields.
• Focus on inner-valence shell ns hole filling mechanisms.

Main Results:

• A new laser-enabled Auger decay channel is identified, allowing ns hole filling.
• This process significantly increases the double-ionization yield in rare-gas atoms.
• The mechanism is highly efficient at high laser intensities, with rapid hole filling (femtosecond timescale).

Conclusions:

• Laser fields can open new, energetically forbidden decay channels in atoms.
• Laser-enabled Auger decay provides a mechanism to control electron dynamics.
• This finding has implications for understanding and manipulating electron behavior in atoms, molecules, and materials.