Non-sequential double ionization in a few-cycle laser pulse: The influence of the carrier-envelope phase

Abstract

Non-sequential double ionization (NSDI) using phase-stabilised few-cycle laser pulses is investigated. We report differential measurements of Ar ⁺⁺ ion momentum distributions. They show a strong dependence on the carrier-envelope (CE) phase. Via control over the CE phase one is able to direct the NSDI dynamics. Data analysis through a classical model calculation reveals that the influence of the optical phase enters via: (1) the cycle-dependent electric field ionization rate, (2) the electron recollision time and (3) the accessible phase space for inelastic collisions. Our model indicates that the combination of these effects allows a look into single-cycle dynamics already for few-cycle pulses. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.