Maximum Elliptical Dichroism in Atomic Two-Photon Ionization
J Hofbrucker1,2, A V Volotka1, S Fritzsche1,2
1Helmholtz-Institut Jena, Fröbelstieg 3, D-07743 Jena, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|August 18, 2018
Summary
Maximum elliptical dichroism, a phenomenon in atomic photoionization, can be achieved in two-photon ionization. This finding offers a new method for analyzing free-electron laser polarization states.
Area of Science:
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Elliptical dichroism quantifies differences in photoelectron angular distributions from atomic photoionization using elliptically polarized light.
- Nonlinear ionization processes are sensitive to light polarization states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically demonstrate the universal occurrence of maximum elliptical dichroism (|ΔED|=1) in two-photon atomic ionization.
- To propose atomic helium as a model system for observing this phenomenon.
- To highlight the potential application of maximum elliptical dichroism in characterizing free-electron laser (FEL) polarization.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of two-photon ionization processes in atoms.
- Focusing on scenarios where electron emission is dominated by two intermediate resonances.
- Utilizing atomic helium as a specific case study.
Main Results:
- Demonstration that maximum elliptical dichroism (|ΔED|=1) is an inherent feature of two-photon ionization under specific resonance conditions.
- Identification of conditions where electron emission is primarily governed by two intermediate resonances.
Conclusions:
- Maximum elliptical dichroism is achievable in two-photon ionization of any atom under resonant conditions.
- This phenomenon provides a sensitive method for determining the polarization state of photon beams, particularly from FELs.
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