Electronic correlations in double ionization of atoms in pump-probe experiments

TL;DR

This paper simulates the ionization dynamics of a two-electron atom in pump-probe experiments, revealing how electron-electron correlations influence double ionization yields and enabling control over ionization processes.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed simulation of two-electron dynamics in pump-probe experiments, highlighting the role of correlations in controlling ionization outcomes.

Findings

Double ionization yield varies dramatically with pump-probe delay.

Electron-electron correlations significantly influence ionization dynamics.

Control over double and single ionization is achievable through delay adjustment.

Abstract

The ionization dynamics of a two-electron atom in an attosecond XUV-infrared pump-probe experiment is simulated by solving the time-dependent two-electron Schr\"odinger equation. A dramatic change of the double ionization (DI) yield with variation of the pump-probe delay is reported and the governing role of electron-electron correlations is shown. The results allow for a direct control of the DI yield and of the relative strength of double and single ionization.