Strong Field Quantum Path Control Using Attosecond Pulse Trains

Kenneth J. Schafer, Louisiana State University
Mette B. Gaarde, Louisiana State University
Arne Heinrich, ETH Zürich
Jens Biegert, ETH Zürich
Ursula Keller, ETH Zürich

Abstract

The application of attosecond pulse train (APT) in controlling strong field quantum path driven by Infrared (IR) laser was discussed. It was suggested that in combination with an intense laser field, the APT can be used to microscopically select a single quantum path contribution to a process. It was found that the plateau harmonics in the spectrum generated by IR pulse alone were not resolved because the intensity dependence of the dipole phase gives rise to a characteristic time-dependent frequency for each quantum path. It was also found that when the IR laser is elliptically polarized, the above threshold ionization (ATI) spectrum shows several plateaus which can be attributed to different quantum paths.