Interaction of Atomic Hydrogen with Pico- and Femtosecond Laser Pulses
Abstract
This thesis presents a theoretical study of the interaction of atomic hydrogen with coherent laser pulses in the 5 femtosecond to 10 picosecond range, in the weak-field limit, and in intense fields. We approach the problem in the weak-field limit by studying the relationship between the Fourier relation of the laser pulse (Delta omega Delta t) and the (Delta E Delta t) relation of the atomic Rydberg wave packet generated by the laser pulse. A derivation of the wave packet based on the WKB approximation is given, permitting the quantity Delta t to be derived for the quantum state, with the conclusion that under certain circumstances a transform-limited laser pulse (satisfying Delta omega Delta t = 1/2) can generate a transform-limited electron (satisfying Delta E delta t/h = 1/2). A population-trapping effect is found numerically and modeled theoretically. Despite the high field intensities, population representing the excited electron is recaptured from the ionization continuum by bound states during the excitation. Population returns to the atom with just the right phase to strongly inhibit ionization. A theory is presented that models this effect for a variety of laser pulse shapes, with and without the rotating-wave approximation. The numerical integration reveals that a certain amount of above- threshold ionization (ATI) occurs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA218426
Entities
People
- Jonathan S. Parker
Organizations
- University of Rochester