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arXiv · 0710.3385

Molecular Recollision Interferometry in High Harmonic Generation

Xibin Zhou·Robynne Lock·Wen Li·Nick Wagner·Margaret. M. Murnane·Henry C. Kapteyn
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Abstract

We use extreme-ultraviolet interferometry to measure the phase of high-order harmonic generation from transiently aligned CO2 molecules. We unambiguously observe a reversal in phase of the high order harmonic emission for higher harmonic orders with a sufficient degree of alignment. This results from molecular-scale quantum interferences between the molecular electronic wave function and the recolliding electron as it recombines with the molecule, and is consistent with a two-center model. Furthermore, using the combined harmonic intensity and phase information, we extract accurate information on the dispersion relation of the returning electron wavepacket as a function of harmonic order. This analysis shows evidence of the effect of the molecular potential on the recolliding electron wave.

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Xibin Zhou, Robynne Lock, Wen Li, Nick Wagner, Margaret. M. Murnane, Henry C. Kapteyn. 2007-10-17. Molecular Recollision Interferometry in High Harmonic Generation. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.100.073902

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