Super strong field ionization of atoms by 10¹⁹ W cm⁻², 10 Hz laser pulses

Abstract

We report on the optical field ionization of rare gases (argon, krypton and xenon) by > 10¹⁹ W cm⁻² laser pulses whose electric field well exceeds the Coulombic binding field in strength. Charge states as high as Ar¹⁶⁺, Kr¹⁹⁺, and Xe²⁶⁺ have been observed, which correspond to He-like argon, Cl-like krypton and Ni-like xenon, respectively. The extension of the laser system to petawatt peak powers is described.