Asymmetric high-energy ion emission from argon clusters in intense laser fields.

Clusters of 2x10(3) to 4x10(4) Ar atoms are Coulomb exploded in intense (up to 8x10(15) W cm(-2)) laser fields. The dependence of multiply charged argon ion energies on the polarization state of light is probed. A directional asymmetry in the ion-explosion energies is observed for the highest charge states. The ion-energy distribution consists of a low-energy isotropic component, and a high-energy anisotropic one. The results are discussed in terms of an asymmetric Coulomb-explosion scenario.