Nonadiabatic Strong Field Ionization of Atomic Hydrogen

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Strong Field Physics

Background:

• Strong field ionization is a fundamental process in atomic physics.
• Understanding electron emission dynamics is crucial for strong field science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate the nonadiabatic strong field ionization of atomic hydrogen.
• To compare experimental results with numerical solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE).
• To explain the observed trend of increasing electron emission angles with energy.

Main Methods:

• Elliptically polarized femtosecond laser pulses at 390 nm were used.
• Experimental data was compared with numerical solutions of the TDSE.
• A model incorporating nonadiabatic corrections was developed.

Main Results:

• Four above-threshold ionization peaks were observed in the electron energy spectrum.
• The most probable electron emission angle increased with energy, contrary to standard predictions.
• The developed model successfully explained the observed increase in deflection angle.

Conclusions:

• Experimental results align well with TDSE calculations.
• Nonadiabatic corrections are essential for accurately describing electron emission in strong field ionization.
• The study provides new insights into the complex dynamics of strong field atomic physics.