Strong field double ionization of H2 : Insights from nonlinear dynamics

TL;DR

This paper uses nonlinear dynamics to analyze strong field double ionization of H2, revealing phase-space structures that clarify the roles of electrons and predict intensity thresholds for ionization changes.

Contribution

It introduces a phase-space dynamics approach to distinguish between correlated and uncorrelated ionization processes in H2 under strong laser fields.

Findings

Identifies dynamical structures regulating ionization

Predicts intensities where ionization behavior changes

Shows dependence on internuclear distance

Abstract

The uncorrelated (``sequential'') and correlated (``nonsequential'') double ionization of the H2 molecule in strong laser pulses is investigated using the tools of nonlinear dynamics. We focus on the phase-space dynamics of this system, specifically by finding the dynamical structures that regulate these ionization processes. The emerging picture complements the recollision scenario by clarifying the distinct roles played by the recolliding and core electrons. Our analysis leads to verifiable predictions of the intensities where qualitative changes in ionization occur. We also show how these findings depend on the internuclear distance.