ERICSON FLUCTUATIONS IN THE CHAOTIC IONIZATION OF THE HYDROGEN-ATOM IN CROSSED MAGNETIC AND ELECTRIC-FIELDS

We report exact quantum calculations for the hydrogen atom in crossed magnetic-and electric fields. Employing the complex-coordinate-rotation method we are able to extend the calculations of eigenstates far into the continuum region. Calculated photoionization cross sections are found to exhibit strong Ericson fluctuations, a characteristic feature of chaotic scattering. This interpretation is supported by classical trajectory calculations which reveal a fractal dependence of the classical ionization time on the initial conditions.