Momentum distributions of Nen+ ions created by an intense ultrashort laser pulse

Vector momentum distributions of Nen+ (n = 1, 2, 3) ions created by 30 fs, approximate to 1 PW/cm(2) laser pulses at 795 nm have been measured using recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy. Distinct maxima along the light polarization axis are observed at 4.0 and 7.5 a.u. for Ne2+ and Ne3+ production, respectively. Hence, mechanisms based on an instantaneous release of two (or more) electrons can be ruled out as a dominant contribution to nonsequential strong-field multiple ionization. The positions of the maxima are in accord with kinematical constraints set by the classical rescattering model.