Controlling the XUV transparency using two pathway quantum interference

Abstract

High harmonic generation is a unique source of ultrashort-pulse ionizing radiation, ideal for initiating and probing fast dynamics in atoms, molecules and materials, including understanding dissociative processes relevant to radiation physics and chemistry [1-3]. We show, for the first time, how to tailor the combined attosecond ionizing field and femtosecond laser field to fully suppress ionization of He through destructive interference of two multiphoton/multicolor ionization channels. This work demonstrates a new approach for coherent control in a regime of highly-excited states and strong optical fields. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.