RUI: Photoionization and Photorecombination Processes in Atomic Theory

Calvin University, Grand Rapids MI

Investigators

Abstract

The primary topic is the interaction of two-electron atoms with intense laser fields, which leads to detachment of the electrons. An important mechanism is recollision, in which one electron is removed from the atom and then oscillates in the laser field, recolliding with the residual atom one or more times. It is found that double collisions can be more effective than single collisions in removing the remaining electron. The plan is to use models of the two electron atom in analytic and numerical studies of these mechanisms of double ionization. It is also planned to study photorecombination, in which electrons recombine with atomic ions in the presence of the intense laser fields. Undergraduate students will contribute to the project in computer programming and analysis, but also in explaining the physics of the double-ionization process.