Time-dependent electron-ion collision frequency at arbitrary laser intensity-temperature ratio

In superintense laser beams collisional absorption exhibits a large amplitude modulation over a laser cycle. In this paper formulas for the time-dependent electron-ion collision frequency nu(ei)(t) are presented. On the basis of a ballistic interaction model we deduce an expression for nu(ei)(t) which holds for an arbitrary isotropic distribution function and arbitrary anharmonic oscillatory electron motion [Eq. (4)]. For a Maxwellian we present compact formulas for the various ratios v(os)(t)/v(th). It is shown that the strong time dependence over one laser cycle leads to the generation of intense odd harmonics. The cycle-averaged collision frequency nu(ei);(t) is compared with expressions derived from the more complex dielectric model. It is shown that the correct choice of cutoffs as a consequence of dynamical screening is essential.