Real-time observation of collective excitations in photoemission

Ejection of an electron by absorption of an extreme ultraviolet (xuv) photon probes the many-electron response of a solid well beyond the single-particle picture. Photoemission spectra feature complex correlation satellite structures signifying the simultaneous excitation of single or multiple plasmons. The time delay of the plasmon satellites relative to the main line can be resolved in attosecond streaking experiments. Time-resolved photoemission thus provides the key to discriminate between intrinsic and extrinsic plasmon excitation. We demonstrate the determination of the branching ratio between intrinsic and extrinsic plasmon generation for simple metals.