Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization of atomic hydrogen

Brewer, L.R., Buchinger, F., Ligare, M. and Kelleher, D. (1989) Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization of atomic hydrogen. Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, 39(8), pp. 3912-3923. (doi: 10.1103/PhysRevA.39.3912)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.39.3912

Abstract

We have measured the resonance-enhanced four-photon ionization of atomic hydrogen. The degenerate four-photon process occurs via a three-photon resonance between the 1s and the 2p levels, with subsequent one-photon ionization near threshold. We have studied the highly asymmetric resonance-enhanced profile, i.e., the photoion yield as a function of laser detuning from three-photon resonance between the 1s and 2p levels. In particular, we have determined the width, shift, peak, and asymmetry of the profile as a function of laser intensity. The experimental results are compared to theoretical models. These models involve both the properties of the atom in an intense near-resonant radiative field, and a detailed model for the multimode laser field, particularly the field fluctuations due to mode beating. The asymmetric resonance-enhanced photoionization profile is well reproduced by both a random-phase and a chaotic-light model.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Brewer, Dr Laurence
Authors: Brewer, L.R., Buchinger, F., Ligare, M., and Kelleher, D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Publisher:American Physical Society
ISSN:1050-2947
ISSN (Online):1094-1622

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