# Quantum Coherence in Photo-Ionization with Tailored XUV Pulses

## TL;DR

This paper investigates how tailored ultrashort XUV pulses can create and control quantum coherence in ionized xenon atoms, revealing conditions that enhance coherence and prevent dephasing.

## Contribution

It demonstrates the control of quantum coherence in photo-ionization using phase-locked XUV pulses with specific frequency differences matching spin-orbit splitting.

## Key findings

- Coherence can be enhanced when pulse frequency difference matches spin-orbit splitting.
- Dephasing occurs if pulse duration exceeds quantum beat period.
- Tailored XUV pulses enable control over quantum superpositions in ionized atoms.

## Abstract

Ionization with ultrashort pulses in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) regime can be used to prepare an ion in a superposition of spin--orbit substates. In this work, we study the coherence properties of such a superposition, created by ionizing xenon atoms using two phase-locked XUV pulses at different frequencies. In general, if the duration of the driving pulse exceeds the quantum beat period, dephasing will occur. If however, the frequency difference of the two pulses matches the spin--orbit splitting, the coherence can be efficiently increased and dephasing does not occur.