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Quantum state-resolved probing of strong-field-ionized xenon atoms using femtosecond high-order harmonic transient absorption spectroscopy

Zhi-Heng Loh·Munira Khalil·Raoul E. Correa·Robin Santra·Christian Buth·Stephen R. Leone
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Abstract

Femtosecond high-order harmonic transient absorption spectroscopy is used to resolve the complete |j,m> quantum state distribution of Xe+ produced by optical strong-field ionization of Xe atoms at 800nm. Probing at the Xe N_4/5 edge yields a population distribution rho_j,|m| of rho_3/2,1/2 : rho_1/2,1/2 : rho_3/2,3/2 = 75 +- 6 : 12 +- 3 : 13 +- 6 %. The result is compared to a tunnel ionization calculation with the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling, revealing nonadiabatic ionization behavior. The sub-50-fs time resolution paves the way for table-top extreme ultraviolet absorption probing of ultrafast dynamics.

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Zhi-Heng Loh, Munira Khalil, Raoul E. Correa, Robin Santra, Christian Buth, Stephen R. Leone. 2007-04-12. Quantum state-resolved probing of strong-field-ionized xenon atoms using femtosecond high-order harmonic transient absorption spectroscopy. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.98.143601

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