Spatiotemporal imaging and shaping of electron wave functions using novel attoclock interferometry

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics
• Quantum Dynamics
• Ultrafast Science

Background:

• Photoionization releases electrons carrying information about light-atom interactions.
• Understanding and controlling electron wave functions is key to ultrafast electron dynamics.
• Current methods lack precise spatiotemporal control over electron wave functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel attoclock interferometry technique.
• To spatiotemporally shape and image electron wave functions in atomic photoionization.
• To gain insights into ultrafast electron dynamics and strong-field ionization.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a two-color laser field: a strong circularly polarized second harmonic and a weak linearly polarized fundamental field.
• Modulating the atomic potential barrier to shape electron wave functions.
• Employing temporal interferometry and analyzing phase-resolved, angle-resolved photoelectron interference.

Main Results:

• Successfully shaped and imaged electron wave functions in momentum space within an optical cycle.
• Reconstructed the spatiotemporal evolution of electron wave function amplitude and phase.
• Identified quantum aspects of strong-field ionization and the influence of atomic potential.

Conclusions:

• Attoclock interferometry provides a new pathway for spatiotemporal control and imaging of electron wave functions.
• This technique advances the study of intense light-matter interactions.
• Holds significant potential for resolving ultrafast electronic dynamics in various states of matter.