Beyond ATI: Strong Field Quantum Control

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.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87417/2/416_1.pd

Quantum control

Tunable lasers, sources of intense narrow-band coherent radiation, enabled the parity violation experiments in atoms in the 1970’s. Ultrafast lasers are source of broadband coherent radiation. This paper reviews recent progress in experiments to control quantum dynamics in condensed phase and gas phase systems, using shaped ultrafast radiation. Many of the same techniques that have led to laser pulses in the 10-100 fsec range can also be applied to the control of quantum systems with similar dynamical time scales. © 2001 American Institute of Physics.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87489/2/176_1.pd

Ultrafast quantum control in atoms and molecules

This paper reviews recent progress in experiments to control quantum dynamics in condensed phase and gas phase systems, using shaped ultrafast radiation. Many of the same techniques that have led to laser pulses in the 10 fs–100 ps10fs–100ps range can also be applied to the control of quantum systems with similar dynamical time scales. Systems under study include electron wave packets in Rydberg atoms, chemical dynamics in molecular liquids and lattice dynamics in crystalline solids. The feature common to each of these systems is ultrafast response. Shaped intense ultrafast radiation initiates the dynamics, which can then be studied using several new techniques. © 2001 American Institute of Physics.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87373/2/463_1.pd

Stability of atoms in intense laser fields

Several mechanisms can impede or even eliminate photoionization or photodissociation of bound quantum systems in an intense laser field. This paper reviews recent laboratory studies of these effects.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87704/2/485_1.pd

Particles driven to diffraction

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/62723/1/413117a0.pd