MULTIPHOTON IONIZATION OF ATOMS

This article provides an overview of the current understanding of multiphoton ionization of atoms. It begins with an introductory section to explain the background of the subject. Then the article develops the three topics which have been central themes of discussion in multiphoton ionization of atoms these past few years: multiply charged ion production, very high order harmonic generation, and above-threshold ionization, a name given to the absorption of a very large number of photons by an already ionized electron. A large part of the review is devoted to some theoretical aspects of multiphoton ionization of atoms and especially non-perturbative theories. Finally the article considers the very near future prospects of laser-electron interactions and more generally laser-matter interactions at 10(18)-10(19) W cm-2, an intensity range now within reach due to new short pulse laser technology.