Strong-Field Ionization Phenomena Revealed by Quantum Trajectories

Abstract

We investigate the photoionization dynamics of atoms subjected to intense, ultrashort laser pulses through the use of quantum trajectories. This method provides a unique and consistent framework for examining electron dynamics within a time-dependent potential barrier. Our findings demonstrate that quantum trajectories offer additional insights into several key aspects of strong-field ionization, including the transition between ionization regimes, non-adiabatic effects under the barrier, the impact of the shape of the electronic potential, and the efficiency of over-the-barrier ionization.