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    Forward- and backward-scattering photoelectron holography controlled by the amplitude ratio in parallel linearly polarized laser pulses

    Ying Guo1, Shu-Juan Yan1, Yi-Xuan Chen2, Zi-Jian Xiang2, Xue-Shen Liu1,*, and Jing Guo1,†

    • *Contact author: liuxs@jlu.edu.cn
    • †Contact author: gjing@jlu.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. A 113, 023115 – Published 20 February, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/ytm5-cq2t

    Abstract

    Photoelectron holographic (PH) interference is one of the research frontiers in strong-field physics, especially in forward- and backward-scattering holography. Achieving control over the specific type of hologram—whether forward- or backward-scattering dominated—has, however, remained challenging. In this study, we demonstrate that the photoelectron momentum distribution (PMD) of H2 molecules in parallel linearly polarized laser pulses can be precisely controlled by tuning the amplitude ratio β between the fundamental and second-harmonic (SH) pulses. We show that varying β steers the dynamics from dominant forward scattering to backward scattering, transforming the interference pattern from a right-pointing spiderlike structure to a fishbonelike structure on both sides. A key finding is the emergence of a distinct specklelike structure within the fishbonelike structure at β=−0.07. Through quantum-trajectory analysis, we identify that these speckles originate from intercycle interference between electron wave packets released in adjacent optical cycles. This provides a clear signature to identify the role of long-term coherent accumulation in holographic structures. Our results not only provide a practical method to selectively generate desired holograms—e.g., backward-scattering holography for β between 0 and −0.15—but also open a window to observe subcycle and multicycle interference effects in strong-field ionization.

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