Non-sequential double ionization with near-single cycle laser pulses

A three-dimensional semiclassical model is used to study double ionization of Ar when driven by a near-infrared and near-single-cycle laser pulse for intensities ranging from 0.85 x 10(14) W/cm(2) to 5 x 10(14) W/cm(2). Asymmetry parameters, distributions of the sum of the two electron momentum components along the direction of the polarization of the laser field and correlated electron momenta are computed as a function of the intensity and of the carrier envelope phase. A very good agreement is found with recently obtained results in kinematically complete experiments employing near-single-cycle laser pulses. Moreover, the contribution of the direct and delayed pathways of double ionization is investigated for the above observables. Finally, an experimentally obtained anti-correlation momentum pattern at higher intensities is reproduced with the three-dimensional semiclassical model and shown to be due to a transition from strong to soft recollisions with increasing intensity.