Response time of photoemission at quantum-classic boundary

The response time of the electron to light in photoemission is difficult to define and measure. Tunneling ionization of atoms, a strong-laser-induced photoemission process, provides a semiclassical case for visiting the problem. Here, we show that the response time can be determined at the boundary between quantum and classic. Specifically, tunneling is instantaneous but a finite response time (about 100 attoseconds) is needed for the state of the tunneling electron to evolve into the ionized state around tunnel exit. This time can be well described with a compact expression related to some basic laser and atomic parameters. Moreover, it can be directly mapped to and easily decoded from photoelectron momentum with a simple mapping, allowing an unambiguous measurement. These results shed light on definition and measurement of the response time of photoemission.