Keldysh theory re-examined: Application of the generalized Bessel functions

TL;DR

This paper re-examines Keldysh theory for ionization in strong laser fields by applying generalized Bessel functions, resulting in a more accurate and limitation-free model that aligns better with numerical results at higher frequencies.

Contribution

The authors derive an 'exact' ionization rate formula using generalized Bessel functions, removing limitations of the original Keldysh theory and improving accuracy at higher frequencies.

Findings

Original Keldysh theory breaks down at higher frequencies.

The new theory aligns better with numerical results in the barrier-suppression regime.

The derivation is exact within the assumptions, with no additional approximations.

Abstract

A derivation of the ionization rate for the hydrogen-like ion in the strong linearly polarized laser field is presented. This derivation utilizes the famous Keldysh probability amplitude in the length gauge (in the dipole approximation) and without Coulomb effects in the final state of the ionized electron. No further approximations are being made, because the amplitude has been expanded in the double Fourier series in a time domain (with the help of the generalized Bessel functions). Thus, our theory has no other limitations characteristic of the original Keldysh theory. We compare our "exact" theory with the original Keldysh one, studying photoionization energy spectra and total ionization rates. We show breakdown of the original Keldysh theory for higher frequencies. In the barrier-suppresion regime the "exact" Keldysh theory gives results closer to well-known numerical or other analytical results.