Polarization-dependent control of ionization pathways in atomic strong-field nonsequential double ionization

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Quantum Dynamics
• Laser-Induced Phenomena

Background:

• Nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) is a complex quantum phenomenon.
• Understanding electron correlation dynamics is crucial for attosecond science.
• Laser field properties significantly influence ionization pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate electron rescattering and correlation in Xenon (Xe) atoms.
• Analyze the impact of counter-rotating, two-color, elliptically polarized (TCEP) laser fields on NSDI.
• Elucidate the role of laser ellipticity in modifying ionization dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a classical ensemble model (CEM) for numerical simulations.
• Analyzed electron momentum spectra and ion momentum distributions.
• Varied laser ellipticity to observe its effects on electron correlation.

Main Results:

• First tunneling electron momentum predominantly in the third quadrant.
• Second electron momentum shows a triangular structure influenced by the electric field vector potential.
• Increased ellipticity reduces ion momentum peak weights, indicating weakened electron correlation.
• Higher ellipticity decreases recollision energy and broadens ionization time delays.

Conclusions:

• Laser ellipticity is a key parameter controlling electron correlation in NSDI.
• The CEM provides insights into electron rescattering and momentum distributions.
• TCEP fields offer a tunable mechanism to modify ionization pathways and electron pair correlations.