Observation of low-energy electrons in the photoelectron energy distribution from strong-field ionization of naphthalene by circularly polarized pulses

In a joint experimental and theoretical study we reveal the presence of low-energy photoelectrons created by strong circularly polarized laser pulses for both 3D aligned and randomly oriented naphthalene molecules. The analysis within a semiclassical model highlights the essential role of the induced dipole of the molecular cation in the creation of these low-energy electrons. The detailed comparison of experiment and theory points to significant modification of the molecular orbital nodal planes in strong fields. (fast track communication)