Intra-cycle interference in laser-electron beam interaction
The quantum coherent interaction of light with swift electrons represents the foundation of the fast-moving field of laser-based electron beam control including one of our major research projects of dielectric laser acceleration. In this work, we introduce the concept of intra-cycle interference, which is universal, i.e., showing up at any electron energy and wavelength. By showing the ability to coherently control electron beams with an unprecedented precision of half an optical cycle (i.e. attoseconds), our work advances the rapidly evolving research field both fundamentally and practically. This work has just been published in Physical Review Research. Here is the link to the paper (open access – no costs to the reader).