Rescattering for extended atomic systems

TL;DR

This paper explores how laser-driven electron rescattering occurs in extended atomic systems like clusters, leading to energy absorption, loss, and phenomena such as non-linear photo-association, supported by experimental and numerical evidence.

Contribution

It extends the understanding of rescattering mechanisms from atoms to larger systems, explaining electron emission and energy dynamics in clusters.

Findings

Rescattering causes effective energy absorption in extended systems.

Rescattering can lead to energy loss and non-linear photo-association.

Fast electron emission is explained by rescattering at highly charged clusters.

Abstract

Laser-driven rescattering of electrons is the basis of many strong-field phenomena in atoms and molecules. Here, we will show how this mechanism operates in extended atomic systems, giving rise to effective energy absorption. Rescattering from extended systems can also lead to energy loss, which in its extreme form results in non-linear photo-association. Intense-laser interaction with atomic clusters is discussed as an example. We explain fast electron emission, seen in experimental and numerically obtained spectra, by rescattering of electrons at the highly charged cluster.