Two-photon double ionization with finite pulses: Application of the virtual sequential model to helium

Abstract: As a step toward the full \emph{ab-initio} description of two-photon double ionization processes, we present a finite-pulse version of the virtual-sequential model for polyelectronic atoms. The model relies on the \emph{ab initio} description of the single ionization scattering states of both the neutral and ionized target system. As a proof of principle and a benchmark, the model is applied to the helium atom using the {\tt NewStock} atomic photoionization code. The results of angularly integrated observables, which are in excellent agreement with existing TDSE (time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation) simulations, show how the model is able to capture the role of electron correlation in the non-sequential regime, and the influence of autoionizing states in the sequential regime, at a comparatively modest computational cost. The model also reproduces the two-particle interference with ultrashort pulses, which is within reach of current experimental technologies. Furthermore, the model shows the modulation of the joint energy distribution in the vicinity of autoionizing states, which can be probed with extreme-ultraviolet pulses of duration much longer than the characteristic lifetime of the resonance. The formalism discussed here applies also to polyelectronic atoms and molecules, thus opening a window on non-sequential and sequential double ionization in these more complex systems.