Single-shot carrier-envelope-phase-tagged ion-momentum imaging of nonsequential double ionization of argon in intense 4-fs laser fields

Abstract

Single-shot carrier-envelope-phase (CEP) tagging is combined with a reaction mircoscope (REMI) to investigate CEP-dependent processes in atoms. Excellent experimental stability and data acquisition longevity are achieved. Using this approach, we study the CEP effects for nonsequential double ionization of argon in 4-fs laser fields at 750 nm and an intensity of 1.6×1014 W/cm2. The Ar2+ ionization yield shows a pronounced CEP dependence which compares well with recent theoretical predictions employing quantitative rescattering theory. Furthermore, we find strong CEP influences on the Ar2+ momentum spectra along the laser polarization axis. © 2011 American Physical Society.