title: Breakdown of stabilization of atoms interacting with intense, high-frequency laser pulses
abstract: An analysis of the influence of the magnetic field of an intense, high-frequency laser pulse on the stabilization of an atomic system is presented. We demonstrate that at relatively modest intensities the magnetic field can significantly alter the dynamics of the system. In particular, a breakdown of stabilization occurs, thereby restricting the intensity regime in which the atom is relatively stable against ionization. Counterpropagating pulses do not negate the detrimental effects of the magnetic field. We compare our quantum mechanical results with classical Monte Carlo simulations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Science Laboratories, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Kylstra
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Worthington
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Vazquez De Aldana
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Roso