A new physical mechanism for the onset of atomic ionization in an optical field with jolts of phase

TL;DR

This paper introduces a theoretical model revealing a new phase-jolt mechanism that enables atomic ionization at low electromagnetic intensities, where energy quanta are insufficient for single-photon ionization.

Contribution

The paper proposes a novel physical mechanism for atomic ionization driven by phase jolts in an electromagnetic field, expanding understanding beyond traditional photon energy thresholds.

Findings

Identifies phase jolts as a key factor in electron energy gain.

Shows cumulative energy gain can surpass ionization potential.

Provides a new framework for low-intensity ionization processes.

Abstract

A theoretical model that describes a new mechanism of atomic and molecular ionization in a low intensity electro-magnetic wave (light or laser beam) with the energy of quanta that is lower than required for a single photon ionization is presented. The essence of the proposed physical mechanism is the step-like gain of energy of a bound electron that occurs every time the phase of the electro-magnetic field jolts. Providing there is sufficiently large number of the phase jolts, the summation of the step increases of the electron oscillation energy can render the total energy of the bound electron such that it exceeds the ionization potential.