Electron dynamics induced by single and multiphoton processes in atoms and molecules

Jianshu Cao, Jianwei Che, Kent R. Wilson

Stationary and nonstationary multilevel models are formulated to analyze ultrafast multiphoton processes with emphasis on electronic and nuclear coherence of a near-resonant intermediate state. By identifying and characterizing three intrapulse dynamical mechanisms (sequential-resonance, chirp-following, and time-delay), a clear physical picture is developed for understanding the subtle chirp dependence in intrapulse pump−probe processes. The theoretical analysis in the paper provides not only a possible interpretation for a recent three-photon experiment but also a general theoretical framework for studying ultrafast multiphoton processes in atoms and molecules.

Nikolai B. Delone, B. A. Zon, В. П. Крайнов +1 more

G. Grynberg, Bernard Cagnac, F. Biraben

Stig Stenholm

Laser induced multiphoton processes are reviewed. The effects of strong fields on atoms are discussed. The perturbation treatment is presented and also its generalization to treat intermediate resonances. Atomic ionization experiments are reviewed and the present understanding of multiphoton dissociation of molecules is explained. Finally some prospects for the future are discussed.

Riccardo Bruzzese, Antonio Sasso, S. Solimeno

G. Alber, Walter T. Strunz

The formation of atom-optical gratings induced by multiphoton excitation of Rydberg states is discussed for fast atoms. With the help of semiclassical path-integral methods the correlation between the dynamics of a laser-excited Rydberg electron and the momentum transferred to the atomic center of mass in a spatially modulated laser field is exhibited quantitatively. These types of laser excitation processes might offer new perspectives for the realization of atomic multiple beam splitters and for atom-lithographic applications.