Above-Threshold Ionization by an Elliptically Polarized Field: Quantum Tunneling Interferences and Classical Dodging

Measurements of above-threshold ionization electron spectra in an elliptically polarized field as a function of the ellipticity are presented. In the rescattering regime, electron yields quickly drop with increasing ellipticity. The yields of lower-energy electrons rise again when circular polarization is approached. A classical explanation for these effects is provided. Additional local maxima in the yields of lower-energy electrons can be interpreted as being due to interferences of electron trajectories that tunnel out at different times within one cycle of the field.