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Absolute Measurement of Laser Ionization Yield in Atmospheric Pressure Range Gases over 14 Decades

D. Woodbury, R. M. Schwartz, E. Rockafellow, J. K. Wahlstrand, and H. M. Milchberg
Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 013201 – Published 6 January 2020
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Abstract

Strong-field ionization is central to intense laser-matter interactions. However, standard ionization measurements have been limited to extremely low density gas samples, ignoring potential high density effects. Here, we measure strong-field ionization in atmospheric pressure range air, N2, and Ar over 14 decades of absolute yield, using mid-IR picosecond avalanche multiplication of single electrons. Our results are consistent with theoretical rates for isolated atoms and molecules and quantify the ubiquitous presence of ultralow concentration gas contaminants that can significantly affect laser-gas interactions.

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  • Received 5 November 2019

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.124.013201

© 2020 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Atomic, Molecular & OpticalPlasma Physics

Authors & Affiliations

D. Woodbury1, R. M. Schwartz1, E. Rockafellow1, J. K. Wahlstrand2, and H. M. Milchberg1,*

  • 1Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
  • 2Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA

  • *Corresponding author. milch@umd.edu

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Vol. 124, Iss. 1 — 10 January 2020

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