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arXiv · 2604.14028

Parity-mixing interference in laser-assisted photoionization

N. Ouahioune·D. Hoff·P. K. Maroju·C. L. Arnold·D. Busto·A. L'Huillier·M. Gisselbrecht·S. Carlström
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Abstract

Photoionization of atoms by high-order harmonics in the presence of a laser may lead to quantum interference from which information about the photoionization dynamics or the light fields can be extracted. Traditionally, this interference arises from two-photon transitions involving the absorption of consecutive harmonics combined with the absorption and stimulated emission of a laser photon. In this process, parity is conserved. Here, we investigate interference between one- and two-photon transitions in helium using high-order harmonics generated by a few-cycle laser and three-dimensional electron detection. In this case, parity is not conserved. We identify four parity-mixing interference pathways, involving two different harmonic fields or a single harmonic, together with absorption or emission of a probe photon.

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N. Ouahioune, D. Hoff, P. K. Maroju, C. L. Arnold, D. Busto, A. L'Huillier, M. Gisselbrecht, S. Carlström. 2026-04-15. Parity-mixing interference in laser-assisted photoionization. https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.14028

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