Control of Electron Wave Packets Close to the Continuum Threshold Using Near-Single-Cycle THz Waveforms

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics
• Attosecond Science
• Electron Dynamics

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) pulses offer unique capabilities for controlling electron dynamics.
• Phase stability in THz pulses is crucial for precise manipulation of quantum systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the control of low-energy electrons using carrier-envelope-phase-stable near-single-cycle THz pulses.
• To investigate electron dynamics under THz field interaction.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a femtosecond laser to generate a localized wave packet via multiphoton absorption synchronized with a THz field.
• Measuring photoelectron momentum distributions as a function of time delay.
• Performing three-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation simulations.

Main Results:

• Observed various electron dynamics regimes, including recollision-free acceleration and coherent electron-ion scattering.
• Experimental findings were validated by theoretical simulations.
• Identified scattering phenomena analogous to strong-field photoelectron holography and high-order above-threshold ionization.

Conclusions:

• Carrier-envelope-phase-stable THz pulses provide precise control over electron wave packets.
• The study reveals complex electron-ion scattering dynamics driven by THz fields.
• This work paves the way for advanced control in electron optics and spectroscopy.