Resolving the Ion and Electron Dynamics in Finite Systems Exposed to Intense Optical Laser Fields

Abstract

Clusters show an enhancement in the absorption when exposed to strong optical laser pulses due to an efficient plasmon mediated energy transfer of radiation into the system. This violent interaction transforms the small particle into a dense and hot nanoplasma state. Electrons are efficiently accelerated in the interaction with the laser field and preferentially emitted in the direction of the laser polarization axis at resonance. Corresponding Vlasov-simulations reveal a surface–plasmon rescattering acceleration mechanism, creating ultrashort electron bursts. On the long time scale, the complexes completely disintegrate and highly charged and energetic atomic ions are emitted. The yield of ionized species can be further enhanced by using pulse shaping in connection with a genetic feedback algorithm.