Rabi Oscillations and Coherence Dynamics in Terahertz Streaking-Assisted Photoelectron Spectrum

We present an approach,a Terahertz streaking-assisted photoelectron spectrum(THz SAPS),to achieve direct observations of ultrafast coherence dynamics with timescales beyond the pulse duration.Using a 24 fs probe pulse,the THz SAPS enables us to well visualize Rabi oscillations of 11.76 fs and quantum beats of 2.62 fs between the 5S_(1/2) and 5P_(3/2) in rubidium atoms.The numerical results show that the THz SAPS can simultaneously achieve high resolution in both frequency and time domains without the limitation of Heisenberg uncertainty of the probe pulse.The long probe pulse promises sufficiently high frequency resolution in photoelectron spectroscopy allowing to observe Autler-Townes splittings,whereas the streaking THz field enhances temporal resolution for not only Rabi oscillations but also quantum beats between the ground and excited states.The THz SAPS demonstrates a potential applicability for observation and manipulation of ultrafast coherence processes in frequency and time domains.

Trajectory analysis of few-cycle strong field ionization in two-color circularly polarized fields

Bichromatic circularly polarized fields provide a useful tool to probe the ionization dynamics.In this work, we compare the photoelectron momentum distribution in few-cycle bichromatic field of different helicities.The spectral features are analyzed with semiclassical trajectories derived from the strong field approximation.In particular, the interference fringes in momentum distribution are investigated by tracking the ionization time and tunneling exits of released photoelectrons.Different types of trajectories that contribute to the interference fringes are elucidated.

Momentum Spectroscopy for Multiple Ionization of Cold Rubidium in the Elliptically Polarized Laser Field

Employing recently developed magneto-optical trap recoil ion momentum spectroscopy(MOTRIMS)combined with cold atoms,strong laser pulse,and ultrafast technologies,we study momentum distributions of the multiply ionized cold rubidium(Rb)induced by the elliptically polarized laser pulses(35 fs,1.3×10^15 W/cm^2).The complete vector momenta of Rb^n+ions up to charge state n=4 are recorded with extremely high resolution(0.12 a.u.for Rb^+).Variations of characteristic multi-bands are displayed in momentum distributions because the ellipticity varies from the linear to circular polarization,are interpreted qualitatively with the classical overbarrier ionization model.Present momentum spectroscopy of cold heavy alkali atoms presents novel strong-field phenomena beyond the noble gases.

Biomimetic high-flux proton pump constructed with asymmetric polymeric carbon nitride membrane

Biological proton pumps ferry protons in an active manner and have a high flux(a few to 10 protons/(s·nm^(2))).Integrating these features in an artificial membrane may open the way for a wide range of applications but it remains challenging.In this work,we employed a structural engineering strategy to construct an asymmetric photonic polymeric carbon nitride(C3N4)membrane that exhibited photo-driven high flux proton pumping performance.The ion transport path through the membrane is reminiscent of that in the high-flux asymmetric biological ion channel.In addition,it has a photonic structure that mimics the mosquito compound eyes with improved light adsorption.Finally,the asymmetric structure constitutes an isotype(n-n)heterojunction that enhances the separation of the light-induced electron-hole pairs.As a result,the membrane shows a flux of 89μA/cm^(2)under 100 mW/cm^(2)white light illumination(approximately one sun),the highest ever reported.This translates to a pumping rate of~6 proton/(s·nm^(2)),comparable to the biological counterpart.This work highlights the potential of multi-level structural engineering to construct high-performance bionic devices,and may find applications in solar energy harvesting and solar powered membrane process.

Clue to a thorough understanding of terahertz pulse generation by femtosecond laser filamentation

In this work, it has been demonstrated that in order to fully understand the terahertz(THz) pulse generation process during femtosecond laser filamentation, the interaction between THz wave and air plasma has to be taken into account. This interaction is mainly associated with the spatial confinement of the THz pulse by the plasma column, which could be described by the one-dimensional negative dielectric(1DND) waveguide model. By combining the 1 DND model with the conventional four-wave mixing(4WM) and photocurrent(PC) models,the variation of THz spectral amplitude and width obtained in experiments could be better understood. Finally, a three-step procedure, with 1DND bridging 4WM and PC processes, has been established for the first time to describe the underlying mechanism of THz radiation from plasma sources.

Continuum electron giving birth to terahertz emission

The origin of terahertz(THz)generation in a gas-phase medium is still in controversy,although the THz sources have been applied across many disciplines.Herein,the THz generation in a dual color field is investigated experimentally by precisely controlling the relative phase and polarization of dual-color lasers,where the accompanying third-harmonic generation is employed for in situ determination of the relative phase up to sub-wavelength accuracy.Joint studies with the strong approximation(SFA)theory reveal that the continuum-continuum(CC)transition within an escaped electron wave packet in the single atom gives birth to THz emission,without the necessity of considering the plasma effect.Meanwhile,we develop the analytic form from SFA-based CC description,which is able to reproduce and decompose the classical photocurrent model from the viewpoint of microscopic quantum theory,establishing the quantum-lassical correspondence and bringing a novel insight into the mechanism of THz generation.Present studies leave open the possibility for probing the ultrafast dynamics of continuum electrons and a new dimension for the study of THz-related science and methodology.