Strong field double ionization : The phase space perspective

TL;DR

This paper explores the phase-space structures influencing atomic double ionization under strong ultrashort laser pulses, providing a new dynamical perspective that clarifies electron interactions and predicts features of the nonsequential ionization 'knee'.

Contribution

It introduces a phase-space perspective to understand double ionization, complementing existing recollision models and offering verifiable predictions about ionization features.

Findings

Identification of phase-space structures governing ionization

Clarification of roles of recolliding and core electrons

Predictions on the 'knee' feature in ionization

Abstract

We identify the phase-space structures that regulate atomic double ionization in strong ultrashort laser pulses. The emerging dynamical picture complements the recollision scenario by clarifying the distinct roles played by the recolliding and core electrons, and leads to verifiable predictions on the characteristic features of the "knee", a hallmark of the nonsequential process.