Tracing transient charges in expanding clusters

TL;DR

This study investigates transient charge dynamics in methane clusters post-ionization, revealing electron recombination, Rydberg state formation, and Auger decay processes that influence the final ion charge states.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the roles of recombination and nonradiative decay in ion charge state evolution in laser-irradiated clusters.

Findings

Most valence electrons are removed during laser interaction.

Electrons recombine and populate Rydberg states during cluster expansion.

Auger decay signatures are observed in electron spectra.

Abstract

We study transient charges formed in methane clusters following ionization by intense near-infrared laser pulses. Cluster ionization by 400 fs ($I=1 \times 10^{14}$ W/cm$^2$) pulses is highly efficient, resulting in the observation of a dominant C$^{3+}$ ion contribution. The C$^{4+}$ ion yield is very small, but is strongly enhanced by applying a time-delayed weak near-infrared pulse. We conclude that most of the valence electrons are removed from their atoms during the laser-cluster interaction, and that electrons from the nanoplasma recombine with ions and populate Rydberg states when the cluster expands, leading to a \textit{decrease} of the average charge state of individual ions. Furthermore, we find clear bound-state signatures in the electron kinetic energy spectrum, which we attribute to Auger decay taking place in expanding clusters. Such nonradiative processes lead to an \textit{increase} of the final average ion charge state that is measured in experiments. Our results suggest that it is crucial to include both recombination and nonradiative decay processes for the understanding of recorded ion charge spectra.