Coherent postionization dynamics of molecules based on adiabatic strong-field approximation

Abstract: Taking N2 and O2 as examples, we theoretically study the post-ionization dynamics of molecules in strong laser fields using a density matrix method for open systems, focusing on the effect of ionization-produced coherence on the dynamics of residual ions. We introduce the adiabatic strong-field approximation (ASFA) method to predict the coherences between ionic states resulting from multiorbital strong-field ionizations. Compared with the standard SFA, the ASFA method can be applied across a wide range of laser intensities due to the consideration of orbital distortion effects. Based on the ASFA, it is found that there are obvious coherences between ionic states in residual molecular ions. These coherences significantly influence the transitions between ionic states, which finally change the post-ionization dynamics of molecular ions. Our findings reveal the importance of the ionization-produced coherences in modulating post-ionization molecular dynamics.