Ionization induced plasma grating and its applications in strong-field ionization measurements

An ionization-induced plasma grating can be formed by spatially selective ionization of gases the interference two intersecting ultra-short laser pulses. The density modulation a approach unity since is produced only where pulses constructively interfere and does not occur in destructive regions. Such large leads to efficient Thomson scattering second probe pulse once Bragg condition satisfied. By measuring efficiency, it possible determine absolute electron thereby deduce degree for given neutral gas density. In this paper, we demonstrate usefulness concept showing applications: measurement strong-field atoms molecules characterization extremely low-density jets. former application particular interest physics studies dense collision ionized with neighboring neutrals may become important-sometimes referred as many-body ionization, latter useful plasma-based acceleration that requires plasmas.