Tunnel ionization of highly excited atoms in a noncoherent laser radiation field

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · Sov. Phys. - JETP (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5888781

Krainov, V P; Todirashku, S S

A theory is developed of the ionization of highly excited atomic states by a low-frequency field of noncoherent laser radiation with a large number of modes. Analytic formulas are obtained for the probability of the tunnel ionization in such a field. An analysis is made of the case of the hydrogen atom when the parabolic quantum numbers are sufficiently good in the low-frequency limit, as well as of the case of highly excited states of complex atoms when these states are characterized by a definite orbital momentum and parity. It is concluded that the statistical factor representing the ratio of the probability in a stochastic field to the probability in a monochromatic field decreases, compared with the case of a short-range potential, if the ''Coulomb tail'' is included. It is shown that at a given field intensity the statistical factor decreases on increase in the principal quantum number of the state being ionized.

• Research Organization: Engineering-Physics Institute, Moscow
• OSTI ID: 5888781
• Journal Information: Sov. Phys. - JETP (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Vol. 56:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ATOMS
PHOTOIONIZATION
HYDROGEN
EXCITED STATES
LASER RADIATION
PROBABILITY
QUANTUM NUMBERS
TUNNEL EFFECT
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
ENERGY LEVELS
IONIZATION
NONMETALS
RADIATIONS
640302* - Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics- Atomic & Molecular Properties & Theory