Strong-field control of x-ray absorption

TL;DR

This paper explores how strong optical laser fields can control and modify x-ray interactions with matter, enabling new insights and manipulation techniques in the x-ray regime, especially in gas-phase systems.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of using strong laser fields to control x-ray absorption and propagation, highlighting effects like spin-orbit interaction, electromagnetically induced transparency, and molecular alignment.

Findings

Laser fields influence atomic ion alignment via spin-orbit effects.

Electromagnetically induced transparency observed in x-ray interactions.

Laser-induced molecular alignment demonstrated in gas-phase systems.

Abstract

Strong optical laser fields modify the way x rays interact with matter. This allows us to use x rays to gain deeper insight into strong-field processes. Alternatively, optical lasers may be utilized to control the propagation of x rays through a medium. Gas-phase systems are particularly suitable for illustrating the basic principles underlying combined x-ray and laser interactions. Topics addressed include the impact of spin-orbit interaction on the alignment of atomic ions produced in a strong laser field, electromagnetically induced transparency in the x-ray regime, and laser-induced alignment of molecules.