MULTIPHOTON IONIZATION OF ATOMS

G. Mainfray

Multiphoton ionization of one-electron atoms, such as atomic hydrogen and alkaline atoms, is well understood and correctly described by rigorous theoretical models. The present paper will be devoted to collisionless multiphoton ionization of many-electron atoms as rare gases. It induces removal of several electrons and the production of multiply charged ions. Up to Xe5+ ions are produced in Xe atoms. Doubly charged ions can be produced, either by simultaneous excitation of two electrons, or by a stepwise process via singly charged ions. This depends on the laser intensity and the photon energy. The basic interaction processes involved are considerably more complicated than for one-electron atoms. A new theoretical model has to be developed to take into account electron correlation effects. Finally, the last part of the present paper will give a brief description of the competition which occurs at high atomic density between resonant multiphoton ionization and generation of odd harmonics of the laser radiation.

Domaines: Articles anciens

G. Mainfray. MULTIPHOTON IONIZATION OF ATOMS. Journal de Physique Colloques, 1985, 46 (C1), pp.C1-113-C1-125. ⟨10.1051/jphyscol:1985111⟩. ⟨jpa-00224481⟩