Electron Orbital Angular Momentum Polarization in Neutral Atoms

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to polarize electron orbital angular momentum in neutral atoms using a combination of the Zeeman effect and attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, with controllability via experimental parameters.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to control electron orbital angular momentum polarization in neutral atoms through combined optical and magnetic techniques.

Findings

Asymmetry in absorption probability between mj=-1 and mj=1 states can be controlled.

Adjusting IR-XUV delay, magnetic field strength, and laser polarization angle influences polarization.

Potential applications in quantum computing, spintronics, and chemical reaction control.

Abstract

We demonstrate the polarization of electron orbital angular momentum (OAM) in neutral atoms by integrating the Zeeman effect with attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (ATAS). Using density matrix simulations, we show that in a helium atom, the absorption probability asymmetry between mj=-1 and mj = 1 in the 1s2p state can be precisely controlled by adjusting the time delay between infrared (IR) and extreme ultraviolet (XUV) fields, the strength of an applied static magnetic field, as well as the angle between laser polarization and magnetic field direction. This approach has significant implications across various fields, including quantum computing, quantum communication, and spintronics. Moreover, it paves the way for advancements in applications such as manipulating chemical reactions control, tailoring the magnetic properties of matter, and enabling novel laser emissions.