Laser-Assisted (e, 2e) Collisions in the Symmetric/Asymmetric Coplanar Geometry

Abstract

In this review, we present a comprehensive survey of laser-assisted (e, 2e) reactions. The influence of a laser field on the dynamics of (e, 2e) collisions in atomic hydrogen is analyzed in the symmetric and asymmetric coplanar geometries. Particular attention is devoted to the construction of the dressed (laser-modified) target wave functions, in both the initial and final states. The calculation is performed in the framework of Coulomb-Volkov-Born approximation, where the initial and final electrons are described by Volkov wave functions, while the interaction of the incident electron with the target atom is treated in the first and the second Born approximation. The state of the ejected electron is described by a Volkov/Coulomb-Volkov wave function. A detailed account is also given of the techniques we have used to evaluate the scattering amplitudes. The influence of the laser parameters (frequency, intensity, and direction of polarization) on the angular distribution of the ejected electron is discussed, and a number of illustrative examples are given. The structure of the triple differential cross section in the vicinity of resonances is also analyzed.