Femtosecond dynamics and multiphoton ionization driven with an intense high order harmonic source

We have constructed a high intensity high order harmonic source delivering ~ 109 extreme ultraviolet photons/shot on a gas target and used it to observe multiphoton ionization and conduct femtosecond EUV-pump IR-probe experiments. Following excitation by 20–25 eV photons, we observed that the excited ethylene cation (H2C-CH2)+ experienced isomerization to the ethylidene configuration (HC-CHs)+ in 50±25 fs, followed by an H2 stretch motion. Experimental data and analysis from several other performed and planned experiments will be presented as well.