Spatial and temporal interference during the ionization of H by few-cycle XUV laser pulses

Abstract

We have investigated the ionization of H atoms by few-cycle XUV laser pulses, in particular the interference between electronic wave packets emitted at different time moments (temporal interference), and the interference between wave packets emitted at the same time, but following different paths (spatial interference). During the spatial interference, under appropriate conditions, the holographic mapping (HM) of the target atom's state is achieved, which has the potential to become a powerful tool to study atomic structure. First, by using classical trajectory Monte Carlo calculations, we have confirmed the existence of two distinct types of electron trajectories, which contribute to the formation of the HM interference pattern. Then, by using ab initio quantum-mechanical calculations, we have studied how the shape of the HM pattern is influenced by the laser pulse parameters. Finally, we have identified the optimal laser pulse parameters for the observation of the HM interference in the case of atomic species with an ionization potential close to 0.5 a.u.