Ionization of Atomic Systems

The course will focus on the theory of ionization of atomic systems, both in the low frequency laser field regimes (corresponding to multi-photon and tunnel ionization), and the high frequency regimes (corresponding to single photon ionization). This broad theoretical focus is motivated by current experimental capabilities, where, for example a strong infrared laser pulse is used to excite the atom, followed by a high-frequency XUV pulse to probe the dynamics of the perturbed system.  The theory behind the generation of high frequency laser pulses of attosecond duration, called high harmonic generation, will also be discussed.