Generation of quantum vortices in photodetachment: The role of the ground-state wave function

Abstract

Formation of quantum vortices in laser-induced photodetachment from negative ions is analyzed. The driving laser field consists of a single ultrashort pulse of circular polarization and the unperturbed ground-state wave function of the anion is found in either the $s$ or $p$ state. In particular, numerical illustrations for the photodetachment from ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}},$ ${\mathrm{O}}^{\ensuremath{-}},$ ${\mathrm{K}}^{\ensuremath{-}},$ and a model ${\mathrm{A}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ anion are presented. Special attention is paid to the symmetry of the ground-state wave function and ionization potential over the final vortex pattern. It is shown that the two-dimensional spectra of photoelectrons in momentum space comprise three well-defined regions: The low-energy (central) region, multiphotonlike zone, and supercontinuum. While the supercontinuum does not contribute to vorticity and the multiphoton zone depends only on the laser field characteristics, vortices in the low-energy region strongly depend on the bound-state wave function and its ionization potential.