Alignment effect in the process of two-electron detachment in a strong laser field

• Applicant: Dr. Igor Kiyan
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2009 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 141664731

Orbital alignment of atoms produced by photodetachment of their negative ions in a strong laser field is studied by the method of imaging photoelectron spectroscopy. The alignment degree manifests itself in the anomalous angle resolved distribution of photoelectrons emitted in the process of strong-field ionization of aligned atoms. The yield of ionized electrons is well separated on the kinetic energy scale from the yield of electrons generated in the photodetachment step. This feature is specific for double detachment of negative ions and is being due to a rather big ratio between ionization potential and electron affinity of atoms, as it is demonstrated in our recent work. Experiments are conducted on negative ions with a partially filled outer shell, where the alignment effect should be most pronounced.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants