SUPERSTRONG COHERENT MULTIELECTRON INTENSE-FIELD INTERACTION

A direct comparison of the ionic levels observed in multiphoton-induced Xe(L) emission from Xe clusters with corresponding charge states experimentally produced with EBIT excitation confirms two new fundamental properties of the multiphoton interaction. They are (1) the dominant role of a coherent multi-electron mechanism in the excitation of the atoms in the duster and (2) the collaterally imperative presence of channels of ionization involving multi-electron inner-shell ejection. Both characteristics arise because the coherent multi-electron motion induced by the external field simulates the behaviour of a light particle carrying a heavy charge, thereby transforming the fundamental coupling strength for the interaction of electrons with matter from the customary factor alpha(similar to 1/137) to the strongly enhanced value Z(2) alpha. The estimated number (Z) of electrons participating in the coherent multi-electron amplitude for excitation of the Xe(L) radiation (2-3 Angstrom) is estimated to be Z similar or equal to 26. Since Z(2) > 10(2) can be practically attained for the majority of atoms, important general consequences follow for the production of new forms of highly energetic non-equilibrium states of matter.