Generation of attosecond xuv pulses in strong laser-atom interactions

The generation of radiation pulses that can be as short as 120 attoseconds is demonstrated theoretically. We have employed a two-dimensional exact solution of the Schrodinger equation that allows for arbitrary laser ellipticity. By manipulating the laser ellipticity in time, it is shown that one can control the wave-packet dynamics of the ejected atomic electron. The nonlinear interaction of the electron with the atomic core can thus be restricted to extremely short times. Photon energies up to 160 eV are generated. It is also shown that with a higher laser frequency, even shorter pulses can be produced. [S1050-2947(98)02211-2].