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Polarimetric interferometer with attosecond stability for time-resolved pump-probe photoemission microscopy
Alexander Neuhaus1, David Janoschka1, Yannik Paul1
1Faculty of Physics and Center for Nanointegration, Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, 47048 Duisburg, Germany.
Ultramicroscopy
|October 14, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a phase-stabilized Mach-Zehnder interferometer for ultrafast imaging. This advanced setup provides precise control and high temporal stability for studying plasmonic fields.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Surface Science
- Ultrafast Spectroscopy
Background:
- Time-resolved pump-probe photoemission electron microscopy (TR-PPEEM) is crucial for studying ultrafast dynamics.
- Controlling polarization and phase stability is essential for high-resolution imaging in TR-PPEEM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement a phase-stabilized Mach-Zehnder interferometer with independent polarization control for TR-PPEEM.
- To achieve high temporal stability and precise polarization control for vector field imaging.
Main Methods:
- Development of a phase-stabilized Mach-Zehnder interferometer with independent polarization control for pump and probe beams.
- Active phase stabilization and spectral interferometry for calibration and correction of polarization-dependent delays.
- Utilizing the interferometer in a photoemission microscope for polarization-resolved imaging.
Main Results:
- High temporal stability was achieved, confirmed by tracking surface plasmon polariton wave packets.
- 99.8% of the Poincaré sphere was accessible, demonstrating comprehensive polarization control.
- Sub-femtosecond accuracy in calibrating polarization-dependent delay deviations was achieved.
- Complete electric field vectors of a plasmonic vortex (J=1) were reconstructed.
Conclusions:
- The implemented interferometer enables reliable, ultrafast, and polarization-resolved imaging of plasmonic fields.
- Direct access to vector field dynamics with sub-optical-cycle temporal resolution is now possible.
- This advancement significantly enhances the capabilities of TR-PPEEM for nanoscale optical field studies.
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