Quantum model for double ionization of atoms in strong laser fields

Abstract

We discuss double ionization of atoms in strong laser pulses using a reduced dimensionality model. Following the insights obtained from an analysis of the classical mechanics of the process, we confine each electron to move along the lines that point towards the two-particle Stark saddle in the presence of a field. The resulting effective two dimensional model is similar to the aligned electron model, but it enables correlated escape of electrons with equal momenta, as observed experimentally. The time-dependent solution of the Schrödinger equation allows us to discuss in detail the time dynamics of the ionization process, the formation of electronic wave packets and the development of the momentum distribution of the outgoing electrons. In particular, we are able to identify the rescattering process, simultaneous direct double ionization during the same field cycle, as well as other double ionization processes. We also use the model to study the phase dependence of the ionization process.

14 pages, 16 figures, version accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. A

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• Ab initio study of time-dependent dynamics in strong-field triple ionization
• A systematic construction of Gaussian basis sets for the description of laser field ionization and high-harmonic generation
• Restricted space ab initio models for double ionization by strong laser pulses
• Excitation, two-center interference and the orbital geometry in laser-induced nonsequential double ionization of diatomic molecules
• Double ionization of a three-electron atom: Spin correlation effects
• Three-electron correlations in strong laser field ionization: Spin induced effects
• Strong-field ionization of atoms with $p^3$ valence shell: Two versus three active electrons
• Strong-field triple ionization of atoms with $p^3$ valence shell
• Pulse length effects in long wavelength driven non-sequential double ionization
• Strong-Field Nonsequential Double Photoionization Using Virtual Detector Theory with Path Summation
• Rescattering effects in streaking experiments of strong-field ionization
• Strong-Field Double Ionization in a Three-Electron Atom: Momentum Distribution Analysis
• Quantum versus semi-classical signatures of correlated triple ionization in Dalitz plots
• Frequency dependence of nonsequential double ionization of atoms in strong laser fields
• Restricted-Geometry Quantum Models Beyond Atoms: Application of the Eckhardt-Sacha approach to NSDI in Diatomic Systems