Complete photoionization experiments via ultrafast coherent control with polarization multiplexing

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Ultrafast Laser Science

Background:

• Photoionization experiments probe atomic and molecular electronic structure.
• Controlling photoionization with tailored laser pulses is crucial for advanced measurements.
• Complete photoionization experiments require full characterization of the ionization process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish photoelectron angular distributions (PADs) as a method for complete photoionization experiments.
• To extract ionization matrix elements using theoretical modeling and experimental data.
• To demonstrate the utility of this methodology for understanding complex ionization control schemes.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing femtosecond infrared laser fields with controlled polarization states.
• Employing a theoretical treatment that incorporates intrapulse electronic dynamics.
• Analyzing 2D imaging data to extract ionization matrix elements.
• Comparing 3D PADs with tomographically reconstructed experimental data.

Main Results:

• Photoelectron angular distributions from potassium atoms provide a route to complete photoionization.
• A full set of ionization matrix elements was successfully extracted from experimental data.
• Theoretical PADs derived from extracted elements showed good agreement with experimental distributions.
• The methodology was applied to polarization-shaped laser pulses, demonstrating control capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed method enables complete characterization of photoionization processes.
• Extracted ionization matrix elements are valuable for understanding and controlling complex ionization.
• Multiplexed intrapulse processes serve as powerful tools for advanced measurements in atomic physics.