"Effects of Imperfect Unipolarity on the Ionization of Rydberg Atoms by" by N. E. Tielking, Thomas J. Bensky et al.

Physics

Title

Effects of Imperfect Unipolarity on the Ionization of Rydberg Atoms by Subpicosecond Half-Cycle Pulses

Author Info

N. E. Tielking, University of Virginia - Main Campus
Thomas J. Bensky, University of Virginia - Main Campus
Robert R. Jones, University of Virginia - Main Campus

Recommended Citation

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Thomas Bensky was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.

Abstract

Rydberg atoms are ionized by nearly unipolar, subpicosecond electromagnetic pulses. Deviations from a perfectly unidirectional pulse are found to alter substantially the ionization probability as a function of peak field. Quantitative agreement between classical theory and experiment is achieved if the pulse imperfections are significantly attenuated.