Scaling Of Classically Stochastic Many-Photon Absorption Processes From The Microwave Region To Higher Frequencies

James E Bayfield

doi:10.1117/12.938693

21 October 1986 Scaling Of Classically Stochastic Many-Photon Absorption Processes From The Microwave Region To Higher Frequencies

James E Bayfield

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 0664, High Intensity Laser Processes; (1986) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.938693
Event: 1986 Quebec Symposium, 1986, Quebec City, Canada

Abstract

Both experiments and quantum calculations have revealed some validity of classical predictions for the classically stochastic or "diffusive" many-photon excitation and ionization of hydrogen atoms with principal quantum number n near 60 in an intense microwave field. These processes partially arise from the relatively dense number of excited atomic states present near the continuum, and from the large radiative couplings between these states. The classical scaling relations are supplemented to predict approximate threshold conditions for "diffusion" and ionization. Diffusion occurs when an electron orbit changes during one orbit time, while ionization requires adequate energy absorption from the the external field. Indicated are interesting experiments at ten micron wavelengths, intensities of tens of gigawatts per square cm, and bound electrons such as in the helium ion with n=6. These values are similar to those predicted for n=1 electrons in quantum well structures, where the situation is somewhat different because of the inverted anharmonicity of the ladders of field-free atom energy levels.

Citation Download Citation

James E Bayfield "Scaling Of Classically Stochastic Many-Photon Absorption Processes From The Microwave Region To Higher Frequencies", Proc. SPIE 0664, High Intensity Laser Processes, (21 October 1986); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.938693

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