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Enhanced ionization of diatomic molecules in strong laser fields: A classical model

Journal Article · · Physical Review A
; ;  [1]
  1. Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A0R6 (CANADA)
A classical model is developed to study molecular ionization in strong laser fields. The model is compared with a one-dimensional quantum-mechanical model for the case of H{sub 2}{sup +}. The intensity threshold for ionization of H{sub 2}{sup +} is studied as a function of laser polarization, wavelength, pulse duration, and internuclear separation. A range of internuclear separations is found where the ionization rate is enhanced over that at the equilibrium separation, in agreement with the quantum-mechanical model. The classical model is then extended to multielectron diatomic molecules. A regime is found where simultaneous two-electron ionization occurs. An intensity range is suggested for looking for enhanced ionization effects in dissociating diatomic molecules. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
OSTI ID:
285947
Journal Information:
Physical Review A, Journal Name: Physical Review A Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 54; ISSN 1050-2947; ISSN PLRAAN
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English