We discuss a method of solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for atoms with two active electrons in a strong laser field, which we used in a previous paper ͓A. Scrinzi and B. Piraux, Phys. Rev. A 56, R13 ͑1997͔͒ to calculate ionization, double excitation, and harmonic generation in helium by short laser pulses. The method employs complex scaling and an expansion in an explicitly correlated basis. Convergence of the calculations is documented and error estimates are provided. The results for He at peak intensities up to 10 15 W/cm 2 and wavelength 248 nm are accurate to at least 10%. Similarly accurate calculations are presented for electron detachment and double excitation of the negative hydrogen ion. ͓S1050-2947͑98͒00208-X͔ PACS number͑s͒: 32.80.Rm, 32.80.Fb
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.