Published December 8, 2006 | Version v1
Journal article

Multiphoton Ionization in Dielectrics: Comparison of Circular and Linear Polarization

  • 1. Experimentelle Physik IIb, Universitaet Dortmund, D-44221 Dortmund (Germany)
  • 2. Institut fuer Experimentelle Physik, Universitaet Duisburg-Essen, 47048 Duisburg (Germany)

Description

Ionization mechanisms in bulk dielectrics irradiated by single intense 50-fs-laser pulses are investigated by ultrafast time-resolved imaging interferometry. Polarization-sensitive 6-photon ionization is shown to be the dominant ionization mechanism in fused silica and sapphire at intensities around 10 TW/cm2. For both materials the cross sections of 6-photon ionization are found to be significantly higher for linear polarization than for circular. Our experimental results corroborate an earlier theoretical prediction on the dominance of linear polarization in high-order multiphoton ionization

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Physical Review Letters
Journal Volume
97
Journal Issue
23
Journal Page Range
p. 237403-237403.4
ISSN
0031-9007
CODEN
PRLTAO

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
38024423
Subject category
S74: ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS;
Descriptors DEI
CROSS SECTIONS; DIELECTRIC MATERIALS; INTERFEROMETRY; LASERS; PHOTOIONIZATION; POLARIZATION; PULSES; SAPPHIRE; SILICA; TIME RESOLUTION
Descriptors DEC
CORUNDUM; IONIZATION; MATERIALS; MINERALS; OXIDE MINERALS; RESOLUTION; TIMING PROPERTIES

Optional Information

Notes
(c) 2006 The American Physical Society