Ionization Dynamics for Atomic and Molecular Ions in Relativistic, Ultrastrong Laser Fields

Abstract

The discovery of laser-driven rescattering and high harmonic radiation out to a maximum photon energy of 3.17 times the ponderomotive energy (Up ) laid the groundwork for attosecond pulse generation and coherent X-rays. As the laser field drives the interaction to higher energies, relativity and the Lorentz force from the laser magnetic field enter into the dynamics. We present the results of recent studies of laser rescattering, including these effects, to give a quantitative description of rescattering dynamics in the high-energy limit, ie, recollision energies of order 1,000 hartree (27 keV). The processes investigated include inner K- and L-shell excitation and the ultimate limit of high harmonic generation via rescattering bremsstrahlung. The results indicate the path to the frontier area of x-ray strong field processes.