Beyond ATI: Strong Field Quantum Control

Abstract

Above‐threshold ionization (ATI) is the ionization of atoms by more than the minimum number photons necessary to overcome the Coulomb binding energy. Although ATI is contrary to the predictions of minimum‐order perturbation theory, it is the dominant mode of ionization whenever the light field becomes comparable to the static fields in the atom. We have learned a great deal by studying ATI over the past several years. We now know that by controlling these high intensity optical fields, we can control atomic and molecular processes such as ionization and dissociation. We can even engineer wave‐functions.