Generalized eikonal approximation for strong-field ionization

TL;DR

This paper introduces a generalized eikonal approximation for modeling strong-field ionization, enabling the treatment of rescattering phenomena and diffraction patterns in photoelectron spectra with improved accuracy.

Contribution

The paper develops a first-order eikonal perturbation theory that avoids singularities and allows quantum trajectory analysis of rescattering in strong-field ionization.

Findings

Demonstrates the derivation of the generalized eikonal approximation.

Shows how the first Born approximation emerges from the theory.

Analyzes diffraction patterns in photoelectron spectra.

Abstract

We develop the eikonal perturbation theory to describe the strong-field ionization by finite laser pulses. This approach in the first order with respect to the binding potential (the so-called generalized eikonal approximation) avoids a singularity at the potential center. Thus, in contrast to the ordinary eikonal approximation, it allows to treat rescattering phenomena in terms of quantum trajectories. We demonstrate how the first Born approximation and its domain of validity follow from eikonal perturbation theory. Using this approach, we study the coherent diffraction patterns in photoelectron energy spectra and their modifications induced by the interaction of photoelectrons with the atomic potential. Along with these first results, we discuss the prospects of using the generalized eikonal approximation to study strong-field ionization from multi-centered atomic systems and to study other strong-field phenomena.