Dependence of multiply charged ions on the polarization state in nanosecond laser-benzene cluster interaction

Highlights: • The different distribution patterns of multiply charged ions on polarization state is presented. • A theoretical calculation could explain the related experimental results. • The cluster disintegration should be considered for the production of multiply charged ions. This paper investigated the dependence of multiply charged ions on the laser polarization state when benzene cluster was irradiated with 532 and 1064 nm nanosecond laser. A circle, square and flower distribution for C²⁺, C³⁺ and C⁴⁺ were observed with 532 nm laser respectively, while flower petals for C²⁺, C³⁺ and C⁴⁺ were observed at 1064 nm as the laser polarization varied. A theoretical calculation was performed to interpret the polarization state and wavelength dependence of the multiply charged ions. The simulated results agreed well with the experimental observation with considering the contribution from the cluster disintegration.