Qualitatively Different Theoretical Predictions for Strong-Field Photoionization Rates

TL;DR

This paper compares two established S-matrix theories for strong-field photoionization, revealing they produce qualitatively different predictions for ionization rates and electron energy distributions, with potential for experimental validation.

Contribution

It demonstrates that two well-known S-matrix approaches yield fundamentally different results in strong-field ionization, highlighting the need for experimental testing.

Findings

Different total ionization rate predictions

Distinct electron energy distribution patterns

Potential for experimental validation of theories

Abstract

We give examples showing that two well-known versions of the S-matrix theory, which describes a nonresonant multiphoton ionization of atoms and ions in intense laser fields, lead to qualitatively different results. The latter refer not only to total ionization rates, but also to energy distributions of photoelectrons, for instance in a polarization plane of the laser field. It should be possible to make an experiment testing predictions of both theories in the near future.