X-ray microprobe of orbital alignment in strong-field ionized atoms.
We have developed a synchrotron-based, time-resolved x-ray microprobe to investigate optical strong-field processes at intermediate intensities (10(14) - 10(15) W/cm2). This quantum-state specific probe has enabled the direct observation of orbital alignment in the residual ion produced by strong-field ionization of krypton atoms via resonant, polarized x-ray absorption. We found strong alignment to persist for a period long compared to the spin-orbit coupling time scale (6.2 fs). The observed degree of alignment can be explained by models that incorporate spin-orbit coupling. The methodology is applicable to a wide range of problems.
Young
L
L
Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, USA. young@anl.gov
Arms
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Dufresne
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Dunford
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Ederer
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Höhr
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Kanter
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Krässig
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Landahl
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Peterson
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Rudati
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Santra
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Southworth
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