Photoelectron angular distributions from strong-field ionization of oriented molecules

Details Photoelectron angular distributions from strong-field ionization of oriented molecules Photoelectron angular distributions from strong-field ionization of oriented molecules

2010-03-24

arxiv.org/abs/1003.4634v1

Nature Physics 6, 428-432 (2010)

Physics

Atomic Physics

Scientific paper

10.1038/nphys1666

The combination of photoelectron spectroscopy and ultrafast light sources is on track to set new standards for detailed interrogation of dynamics and reactivity of molecules. A crucial prerequisite for further progress is the ability to not only detect the electron kinetic energy, as done in traditional photoelectron spectroscopy, but also the photoelectron angular distributions (PADs) in the molecular frame. Here carbonylsulfide (OCS) and benzonitrile molecules, fixed in space by combined laser and electrostatic fields, are ionized with intense, circularly polarized, 30 femtosecond laser pulses. For 1-dimensionally oriented OCS the molecular frame PADs exhibit pronounced anisotropies, perpendicular to the fixed permanent dipole moment, that are absent in PADs from randomly oriented molecules. For 3-dimensionally oriented benzonitrile additional striking structures appear due to suppression of electron emission in nodal planes of the fixed electronic orbitals. Our theoretical analysis, relying on tunneling ionization theory, shows that the PADs reflect nodal planes, permanent dipole moments and polarizabilities of both the neutral molecule and its cation. The calculated results are exponentially sensitive to changes in these molecular properties thereby pointing to exciting opportunities for time-resolved probing of valence electrons dynamics by intense circularly polarized pulses. Molecular frame PADs from oriented molecules will prove important in other contexts notably in emerging free-electron-laser studies where localized inner shell electrons are knocked off by x-ray pulses.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Photoelectron angular distributions from strong-field ionization of oriented molecules does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Photoelectron angular distributions from strong-field ionization of oriented molecules, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Photoelectron angular distributions from strong-field ionization of oriented molecules will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-57121