Above-Threshold Ionization by an Elliptically Polarized Field: Quantum Tunneling Interferences and Classical Dodging

G. G. Paulus; F. Zacher; H. Walther; A. Lohr; W. Becker; M. Kleber

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.80.484

Above-Threshold Ionization by an Elliptically Polarized Field: Quantum Tunneling Interferences and Classical Dodging

G. G. Paulus, F. Zacher, H. Walther, A. Lohr, W. Becker, and M. Kleber

Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 484 – Published 19 January 1998

Abstract

Measurements of above-threshold ionization electron spectra in an elliptically polarized field as a function of the ellipticity are presented. In the rescattering regime, electron yields quickly drop with increasing ellipticity. The yields of lower-energy electrons rise again when circular polarization is approached. A classical explanation for these effects is provided. Additional local maxima in the yields of lower-energy electrons can be interpreted as being due to interferences of electron trajectories that tunnel out at different times within one cycle of the field.

Received 11 April 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.80.484

Authors & Affiliations

G. G. Paulus, F. Zacher, and H. Walther^*

Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, 85748 Garching, Germany

A. Lohr, W. Becker^†, and M. Kleber

Physik-Department T30, Technische Universität München, 85747 Garching, Germany

^*Also at Sektion Physik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Am Coulombwall 1, D-85747 Garching, Germany.
^†Present address: Max-Born-Institut für Nichtlineare Optik und Kurzzeitspektroskopie, D-12474 Berlin, Germany; also at Center for Advanced Studies, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131.