Momentum scalar triple product as a measure of chirality in electron ionization dynamics of strongly driven atoms

We formulate a measure that quantifies chirality in single electron ionization triggered in atoms, which are achiral systems. We do so in the context of Ar driven by a different type of optical fields that consists of two noncollinear laser beams giving rise to chirality that varies in space across the focus of the beams. Our computations account for realistic experimental conditions. To define this measure of chirality, we first find the sign of the electron final momentum scalar triple product px center dot (py x pz) and multiply it with the probability for an electron to ionize with certain values of the momentum components. Then, we integrate over all values of px, py, pz. We show this to be a robust measure of chirality in electron ionization triggered by chiral electric fields.

Automated summary

We propose a measure that quantifies chirality in the ionization process of achiral atoms and validate it under realistic experimental conditions. This measure is based on the sign of the scalar triple product of the electron final momentum and the probability of ionization, integrated over all momentum components.