Strong Field Ionization in a Multi-color Field

Abstract

We describe several implementations of multi-color shaping of the optical cycles of intense laser pulses, which allow direct control of strong-field dynamics and have important implications for many of their applications. After reviewing a purely optical detection method for attosecond tunneling ionization bursts in gases and transparent solids, we experimentally demonstrate the steering of the induced tunneling electron current via the optical cycle shape of the driving laser pulses. We describe two examples: the control of the electron emission direction in above-threshold ionization, and a new scheme for the efficient generation of tunable THz radiation. Finally, we also describe an application of shaped optical cycles to the generation of ultrafast XUV pulses and present first results on steering of the returning electron trajectories in HHG.