RUI: Photoionization and Photorecombination Processes in Atomic Theory

Calvin University, Grand Rapids MI

Investigators

Abstract

The project involves theoretical study of two complementary processes. The first is strong-field photoionization, in which electrons are detached from atoms in intense laser light. Studies in this area involve extensive computer modeling and focus primarily on understanding the dynamics of double ionization. The complementary area of study is photorecombination, in which electrons reattach to atoms and emit light. Studies in this latter area combine the development of a mathematical formalism with computer application for examining photorecombination processes that can occur in high-temperature plasmas.