Probing electronic decoherence with high-resolution attosecond photoelectron interferometry

Summary, in English

Abstract: Quantum coherence plays a fundamental role in the study and control of ultrafast dynamics in matter. In the case of photoionization, entanglement of the photoelectron with the ion is a well-known source of decoherence when only one of the particles is measured. Here, we investigate decoherence due to entanglement of the radial and angular degrees of freedom of the photoelectron. We study two-photon ionization via the 2s2p autoionizing state in He using high spectral resolution photoelectron interferometry. Combining experiment and theory, we show that the strong dipole coupling of the 2s2p and 2p² states results in the entanglement of the angular and radial degrees of freedom. This translates, in angle-integrated measurements, into a dynamic loss of coherence during autoionization. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].

• Author: David Busto; Hugo Laurell; Daniel Finkelstein-Shapiro; Christiana Alexandridi; Marcus Isinger; Saikat Nandi; Richard J. Squibb; Margherita Turconi; Shiyang Zhong; Cord L. Arnold; Raimund Feifel; Mathieu Gisselbrecht; Pascal Salières; Tönu Pullerits; Fernando Martín; Luca Argenti; Anne L’Huillier
• Department/s: Atomic Physics; Chemical Physics; NanoLund: Centre for Nanoscience; Synchrotron Radiation Research; LTH Profile Area: Photon Science and Technology; LTH Profile Area: Nanoscience and Semiconductor Technology
• Publishing year: 2022-07
• Language: English
• Publication/Series: European Physical Journal D
• Volume: 76
• Issue: 7
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1140/epjd/s10053-022-00438-y
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: EDP Sciences
• Topic: Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics
• Status: Published
• Project: Controlling the photoelectric effect in real-time
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1434-6060