Keldysh-Rutherford model for attoclock

TL;DR

This paper introduces a Keldysh-Rutherford model linking attoclock offset angles to Rutherford scattering, validated against quantum and classical simulations, suggesting a Coulombic origin rather than tunneling time effects.

Contribution

The paper presents a simple, effective model connecting attoclock offset angles with Rutherford scattering, supported by numerical simulations across different potentials and noble gases.

Findings

Model accurately predicts offset angles in various potentials.

Close agreement between model and numerical simulations.

Supports Coulombic origin of attoclock offset angles.

Abstract

We demonstrate a clear similarity between attoclock offset angles and Rutherford scattering angles taking the Keldysh tunnelling width as the impact parameter and the vector potential of the driving pulse as the asymptotic velocity. This simple model is tested against the solution of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation using hydrogenic and screened (Yukawa) potentials of equal binding energy. We observe a smooth transition from a hydrogenic to 'hard-zero' intensity dependence of the offset angle with variation of the Yukawa screening parameter. Additionally we make comparison with the attoclock offset angles for various noble gases obtained with the classical-trajectory Monte Carlo method. In all cases we find a close correspondence between the model predictions and numerical calculations. This suggests a largely Coulombic origin of the attoclock offset angle and casts further doubt on its interpretation in terms of a finite tunnelling time.