ENHANCED IONIZATION OF DIATOMIC-MOLECULES IN STRONG LASER FIELDS - A CLASSICAL-MODEL

A classical model is developed to study molecular ionization in strong laser fields. The model is compared with a one-dimensional quantum-me chanical model for the case of H-2(+). The intensity threshold for ion ization of H-2(+) is studied as a function of laser polarization, wave length, pulse duration, and internuclear separation. A range of intern uclear separations is found where the ionization rate is enhanced over that at the equilibrium separation, in agreement with the quantum-mec hanical model. The classical model is then extended to multielectron d iatomic molecules. A regime is found where simultaneous two-electron i onization occurs. An intensity range is suggested for looking for enha nced ionization effects in dissociating diatomic molecules.