Abstract
This article provides an overview of the current understanding of
multiphoton ionization of atoms. It begins with an introductory section
to explain the background of the subject. Then the article develops
the three topics which have been central themes of discussion in
multiphoton ionization of atoms these past few years: multiply charged
ion production, very high order harmonic generation, and above-threshold
ionization, a name given to the absorption of a very large number
of photons by an already ionized electron. A large part of the review
is devoted to some theoretical aspects of multiphoton ionization
of atoms and especially non-perturbative theories. Finally the article
considers the very near future prospects of laser-electron interactions
and more generally laser-matter interactions at 10(18)-10(19) W cm-2,
an intensity range now within reach due to new short pulse laser
technology.
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