Strong-Field Theory of Attosecond Tunneling Microscopy

Area of Science:

• Quantum dynamics
• Ultrafast spectroscopy
• Surface science

Background:

• Attosecond observations of electron dynamics are crucial for understanding molecular and nanostructure behavior.
• Conventional scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) combined with femtosecond lasers enables these observations.
• A robust strong-field theory for subcycle regime experiments is currently lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a strong-field theory model for attosecond scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
• To provide a theoretical framework for interpreting experimental results in the subcycle regime.
• To identify optimal conditions for future attosecond STM experiments.

Main Methods:

• Devised a model based on the strong-field approximation.
• Analyzed the analogy between the new model and the standard STM model.
• Demonstrated the emergence of the three-step model of attosecond science from the proposed theory.

Main Results:

• The strong-field model is valid across all regimes of attosecond STM.
• A clear analogy exists between the new model and the standard STM model.
• The intuitive three-step model of attosecond science naturally arises from the developed theory.

Conclusions:

• The proposed strong-field model offers a robust theoretical description for attosecond STM.
• The model facilitates the understanding of coherent electron dynamics in molecules and nanostructures.
• This work provides guidance for optimizing attosecond STM experiments and interpreting their results.