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Ionization of clusters in strong X-ray laser pulses

Ulf Saalmann·Jan M Rost
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Abstract

The effect of intense X-ray laser interaction on argon clusters is studied theoretically with a mixed quantum/classical approach. In comparison to a single atom we find that ionization of the cluster is suppressed, which is in striking contrast to the observed behavior of rare-gas clusters in intense optical laser pulses. We have identified two effects responsible for this phenomenon: A high space charge of the cluster in combination with a small quiver amplitude and delocalization of electrons in the cluster. We elucidate their impact for different field strengths and cluster sizes.

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Ulf Saalmann, Jan M Rost. 2002-06-21. Ionization of clusters in strong X-ray laser pulses. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.89.143401

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