Biomedical subjects

Paul B Corkum

Publications and source records attributed to Paul B Corkum.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Muonic molecules in superintense laser fields.

We study theoretically the ionization and dissociation of muonic molecular ions (e.g., dd mu) in superintense laser fields. We predict that the bond breaks by tunneling of the lightest ion through a bond-softened barrier at intensity I > or =10(21) W/cm(2). Ionization of the muonic atomic fragment occurs at much higher intensity I > or =6 x 10(22) W/cm(2). Since the field controls the ion trajectory after dissociation, it forces recollision of a approximately 10(5)-10(6) eV ion with the muonic atom. Recollision can trigger a nuclear reaction with sub-laser-cycle precision. In general, molecules can serve as precursors for laser control of nuclear processes.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Optically timed submillimeter time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

We demonstrate that using intense femtosecond laser pulses to optically time ion flight can lead to a miniature time-of-flight mass spectrometer. After laser ionization, the molecular ion is accelerated by a static electric field and detected using a second, delayed laser pulse. The relative positions of the two laser foci determine the ion flight distance while the time separation of the laser pulses fixes the ion flight time. We mass-resolve CS(2) or C(6)H(6) isotopes after a flight distance of 360 microm using either double ionization or Coulomb explosion detection.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

How to use lasers for imaging attosecond dynamics of nuclear processes.

We identify a laser configuration in which attosecond electron wave packets are ionized, accelerated to multi-MeV energies, and refocused onto their parent ion. Magnetic focusing of the electron wave packet results in return currents comparable with large scale accelerator facilities. This technique opens an avenue towards imaging attosecond dynamics of nuclear processes.

Journal Article↗