Laser-driven nanoplasmas in doped Helium droplets: local ignition and anisotropic growth

Mikaberidze, A., Saalmann, U. and Rost, J. M. (2009) Laser-driven nanoplasmas in doped Helium droplets: local ignition and anisotropic growth. Physical Review Letters, 102. 128102. ISSN 0031-9007 doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.128102

Abstract/Summary

Doping a helium nanodroplet with only a tiny xenon cluster of a few atoms sparks complete ionization of the droplet at laser intensities below the ionization threshold of helium atoms. As a result, the intrinsically inert and transparent droplet turns into a fast and strong absorber of infrared light. Microscopic calculations reveal a two-step mechanism to be responsible for the dramatic change: Avalanchelike ionization of the helium atoms on a femtosecond time scale, driven by field ionization due to the quickly charged xenon core, is followed by resonant absorption enabled by an unusual cigar-shaped nanoplasma within the droplet.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/91223
Identification Number/DOI	10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.128102
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	No Reading authors. Back catalogue items Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Crop Science
Publisher	American Physical Society
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