We theoretically study the sequential double ionization of He by two-color attosecond pulses. We show that, for short time delays between the two pulses, the ionization spectra cannot be explained by an independent model based on the time-dependent perturbation theory. By varying the time delay, one can probe the role of the electron correlation played in the double ionization, which is mostly obvious by examining the differential double-ionization yield. In the present scheme, we also identify a kind of “catch-up” interaction between the two ionized electrons.

• Received 16 July 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.86.063401