Attosecond Electron Correlation Dynamics in Double Ionization of Benzene Probed with Two-Electron Angular Streaking

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Quantum Dynamics
• Strong Field Physics

Background:

• Understanding electron correlation is crucial for describing molecular ionization dynamics.
• Strong field physics investigates matter's response to intense laser fields.
• Previous studies lacked precise measurements of electron emission timing in complex molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To precisely measure the time delay between sequential electron emissions in benzene.
• To investigate the role of electron correlation in strong field double ionization.
• To explore the influence of laser polarization on ionization dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel three-dimensional electron-electron coincidence imaging technique.
• Employed a two-electron angular streaking method for time delay measurements.
• Utilized a nearly circularly polarized laser field to drive benzene ionization.

Main Results:

• Successfully measured electron emission time delays ranging from tens of attoseconds to over 1 femtosecond.
• Observed a surprising decay in the benzene double ionization rate within the first 500 attoseconds of electron emission.
• Correlated the ionization decay with the reduction of Coulomb repulsion perpendicular to laser polarization.

Conclusions:

• Laser-induced electron correlation significantly impacts strong field double ionization in benzene.
• The observed decay highlights the complex interplay between electron dynamics and laser fields.
• This work provides new insights into attosecond electron correlation phenomena in molecules.