Theory for the electron excitation in dielectrics under an intense circularly polarized laser field

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical model for electron excitation in dielectrics under intense circularly polarized lasers, matching experimental data and aiding nanofabrication simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a Keldysh-like model specifically for circular polarization, extending previous models to better simulate laser-dielectric interactions.

Findings

Reproduces experimental excitation rate ratios for $ ext{α}$-quartz.

Provides a practical formula for use in nanofabrication simulations.

Extends existing models to circular polarization scenarios.

Abstract

We report a Keldysh-like model for the electron transition rate in dielectrics under an intense circularly polarized laser. We assume a parabolic two-band system and the Houston function as the time-dependent wave function of the valence and conduction bands. Our formula reproduces the experimental result for the ratio of the excitation rate between linear and circular polarizations for $\alpha$-quartz. This formula can be easily introduced into simulations of nanofabrication using an intense circularly polarized laser.