Laser-enabled Auger decay in rare-gas atoms

Phys Rev Lett. 2011 Feb 4;106(5):053002. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.053002. Epub 2011 Jan 31.

Abstract

In rare-gas atoms, Auger decay in which an inner-valence shell ns hole is filled is not energetically allowed. However, in the presence of a strong laser field, a new laser-enabled Auger decay channel can open up to increase the double-ionization yield. This process is efficient at high laser intensities, where an ns hole can be filled within a few femtoseconds of its creation. This novel laser-enabled Auger decay process is of fundamental importance for controlling electron dynamics in atoms, molecules, and materials.