Two-dimensional streaking: complete characterization of an arbitrarily polarized few-cycle laser pulse using a stereodetector technique

We discuss the feasibility of measuring the temporal variation of the electric-field strength of a few-cycle laser pulse with arbitrary polarization using the attosecond streaking method. It is shown that a full characterization of the field requires measuring the photoelectron momenta in two opposite directions in the laser polarization plane for various delays of the extreme ultraviolet burst with respect to the probed laser pulse. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.