Abstract
Ionization and, in particular, ionization through the interaction with light play an important role in fundamental processes in physics, chemistry, and biology. In recent years, we have seen tremendous advances in our ability to measure the dynamics of photo-induced ionization in various systems in the gas, liquid, or solid phase. In this review, we will define the parameters used for quantifying these dynamics. We give a brief overview of some of the most important ionization processes and how to resolve the associated time delays and rates. With regard to time delays, we ask the question: how long does it take to remove an electron from an atom, molecule, or solid? With regard to rates, we ask the question: how many electrons are emitted in a given unit of time? We present state-of-the-art results on ionization and photoemission time delays and rates. Our review starts with the simplest physical systems: the attosecond dynamics of single-photon and tunnel ionization of atoms in the gas phase. We then extend the discussion to molecular gases and ionization of liquid targets. Finally, we present the measurements of ionization delays in femto- and attosecond photoemission from the solid–vacuum interface.
Highlights
Ionization removes one or more electrons from a physical system and is an important fundamental process in nature and technology
While we briefly review different light-driven ionization mechanisms, the main focus of this paper will be on ionization dynamics
In the case of RABBITT, the time delay in the atomic photo ionization process is encoded in the phase of oscillating sidebands (SB) that are generated by the interference of two quantum paths that both involve the absorption of a harmonic from the XUV frequency comb of the attosecond pulse train (APT) and the absorption or emission of an additional IR photon
Summary
Ionization removes one or more electrons from a physical system and is an important fundamental process in nature and technology. Electrons can be removed from their parent system through diverse mechanisms. We concentrate on ionization induced by light which is important in biology, photo-chemistry, and science in general. It lies at the basis of techniques for determining the energetic structure of solids and molecules, which by themselves yield important information for technological applications.. While we briefly review different light-driven ionization mechanisms, the main focus of this paper will be on ionization dynamics It lies at the basis of techniques for determining the energetic structure of solids and molecules, which by themselves yield important information for technological applications. While we briefly review different light-driven ionization mechanisms, the main focus of this paper will be on ionization dynamics
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have