A coincidence technique for the study of intense laser atom interactions

A new device for charged particle coincidence experiments in strong-field, short pulse laser-atom/molecule interactions is presented. The device consi sts of a single time of flight spectrometer, common for both positive and n egative charge detection. Experimental parameters required for the use of t he device in the high intensity regime are discussed. A demonstration of el ectron-ion coincidence measurements in the interaction of Xe atoms with 60 fs laser pulses at 800 nm and an intensity of 4 x 10(13) W/cm(2) is reporte d.