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Resolving Quantum Interference Black Box through Attosecond Photoionization Spectroscopy
Wenyu Jiang1, Gregory S J Armstrong2, Lulu Han1
1State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
Physical Review Letters
|December 1, 2023
Summary
We used attosecond photoelectron spectroscopy to observe quantum interference in two-photon ionization of neon atoms. This technique reveals the inner workings of light-matter interactions, acting as a microscope for ultrafast dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Quantum dynamics
- Atomic physics
- Ultrafast spectroscopy
Background:
- Multiphoton light-matter interactions are complex, involving quantum interference between multiple ionization pathways.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for fields ranging from materials science to quantum computing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and resolve quantum pathway interference in the two-photon ionization of neon atoms.
- To develop and apply attosecond photoelectron metrology for probing ultrafast dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polarization-controlled attosecond photoelectron metrology.
- Employed a partial wave manipulator to analyze photoelectron spectra.
- Measured angle-dependent and time-resolved spectra across a broad energy range.
Main Results:
- Reconstructed two-photon phase shifts for individual partial waves.
- Resolved quantum interference between degenerate p→d→p and p→s→p ionization pathways.
- Results were consistent with theoretical simulations.
Conclusions:
- The developed attosecond time-resolved technique acts as a 'microscope' for ultrafast dynamics.
- Provides unprecedented insight into the 'black box' of multiphoton light-matter interactions.
- Applicable to studying complex dynamics in atoms, molecules, and condensed matter.
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