Abstract

Strong-field induced processes in molecules such as ionization and dissociation have been subject to theoretical and experimental investigations for many decades [1]. These processes include, e.g., above threshold ionization, high harmonic generation with the generation of attosecond pulses, and laser induced electron diffraction. Since these effects strongly rely on the exact spatial and temporal evolution of the electric fields they are also influenced and controlled by the presence of enhanced near-fields in the proximity of a nanostructure [2]. Recent theoretical and experimental work focused mainly on either atomic processes in strong near-fields or near-field driven photoemission from nanostructures. Here, we go beyond these studies and investigate the near-field control of one of the most fundamental molecular strong-field processes, namely multiple ionization leading to Coulomb explosion.

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