Abstract

Over the past few years, strong-field physics has advanced to .1 state that quantitative tests of theoretical' model's are now possible experimentally. This is particularly important to identify the universality of all strong-field effects. such as above-threshold ionization (ATI), high optical harmonic generation (OHG), and multiple ionization. This recent advance in understanding is intimately tied to the progress in the development of high-powered, kilohertz repetition rate lasers and powerful numerical techniques. Furthermore, a simple quasi-classical model based on the rescattering of a laser-driven free electron with its parent ionic core has resulted in some revealing insights into the underlying dynamics. We will report on the progress of high-sensitivity electron and ion measurements in the strong field limit on gas phase atoms. These studies are capable of probing the full dynamic range of field interactions from multiphoton to tunnel ionization. Critical comparison to time-dependent methods and the quasi-classical rescattering model will be discussed, with particular emphasis on describing the single and multiple electron dynamics.

© 1997 Optical Society of America