Zeptosecond electron pulse train via multiphoton inelastic Cherenkov diffraction

Area of Science:

• Strong-field physics
• Quantum dynamics
• Relativistic electron behavior

Background:

• Generating and controlling electron-matter-wave pulses at zeptosecond timescales is a significant challenge in modern physics.
• Ultrafast electron coherent control and high-harmonic generation are key objectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate quantum dynamics of relativistic electrons interacting with laser pulse phase-lattices.
• Explore the creation of zeptosecond electron pulse trains.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a relativistic quantum kinetic approach.
• Analyzed inelastic Cherenkov diffraction of electrons on a slowed laser pulse phase-lattice.
• Examined multiphoton absorption-radiation processes.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated strong temporal compression of electron wave packets via multiphoton processes.
• Observed the formation of attosecond-zeptosecond electron pulse trains after diffraction scattering.
• Found pulse compression is robust to laser pulse duration but sensitive to electron momentum spread.

Conclusions:

• Established a method for creating tabletop zeptosecond electron sources.
• Potential applications include ultrafast quantum control, time-resolved spectroscopy, and high-resolution electron microscopy.
• Findings may advance relativistic microelectronics.