Strong field quantum path control using attosecond pulse trains

Phys Rev Lett. 2004 Jan 16;92(2):023003. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.023003. Epub 2004 Jan 16.

Abstract

We show that attosecond pulse trains have a natural application in the control of strong field processes. In combination with an intense infrared laser field, the pulse train can be used to microscopically select a single quantum path contribution to a process that would otherwise consist of several interfering components. We present calculations that demonstrate this by manipulating the time-frequency properties of high order harmonics at the single atom level. This quantum path selection can also be used to define a high resolution attosecond clock.