Spin-resolved strong field ionisation

Molecular movies depicting chemical reactions via attosecond (10^-18 s) snapshots, which vastly improve our understanding of molecular dynamics is within our grasp. Strong-field imaging techniques under development, such as photoelectron holography, promise just this. However, up until very recently all strong-field theoretical models have neglected spin and spin-orbit coupling.

Initial work including spin in the initial state, along with recent experiments, has shown that spin in strong-field processes is vitally important, leading to different ionisation probabilities which in turn may alter the all important electron dynamics.

In this project, I will utilise and develop cutting edge theoretical frameworks to fully include electron spin for strong-field processes in atoms and molecules.

I will develop a semi-analytic model, which fully includes spin and spin-orbit coupling for single active electron and two active electron cases.

This is motivated by the long history of semi-analytic methods that have been developed in this field, which have enabled unprecedented access into the electron dynamics for strong-field processes. As such, developing a model for spin will reveal deep new physical insight.

I will validate the methodology by exploiting my supervisors expertise and contacts, collaborating with theorists employing complementary cutting-edge numerical models and with the only group of experimentalists to have performed spin measurements on strong-field processes. A proper treatment will allow more advanced and robust imaging techniques.

I will explore the use of spin to enhance existing imaging processes such as photoelectron holography.

Furthermore, I will develop the semi-analytic model for two electrons and explore spin entanglement and correlation with momentum in two-electron ionisation processes, to design entirely new imaging procedures. This analysis will also open up the possibility of exploiting this system for quantum information purposes.