Absolute measurement of laser ionization yield in atmospheric pressure range gases over 14 decades

Abstract

Strong-field ionization is central to intense laser-matter interactions. However, standard ionization measurements have been limited to extremely low density gas samples, ignoring potential high density effects. Here, we measure strong-field ionization in atmospheric pressure range air, N2 and Ar over 14 decades of absolute yield, using mid-IR picosecond avalanche multiplication of single electrons. Our results are consistent with theoretical rates for isolated atoms and molecules and quantify the ubiquitous presence of ultra-low concentration gas contaminants that can significantly affect laser-gas interactions.

References in corpus (4)

• Bright Coherent Ultrahigh Harmonics in the keV X-Ray Regime from Mid-Infrared Femtosecond Lasers
• Strong Field Ionization Rate for Arbitrary Laser Frequencies
• Direct measurement of the electron density of extended femtosecond laser pulse-induced filaments
• Bound electron nonlinearity beyond the ionization threshold

Cited by in corpus (4)

• Self-guiding of long-wave infrared laser pulses mediated by avalanche ionization
• Direct-write laser-induced self-organization and metallization beyond the focal volume in tellurite glass
• Dynamics of a buffer-gas-loaded, deep optical trap for molecules
• Ionization rate and plasma dynamics at 3.9 micron femtosecond photoionization of air