ULTRA-ENERGETIC ELECTRON EJECTION IN RELATIVISTIC ATOM-LASER FIELD INTERACTION

The ionization process of an atom in an ultra-intense laser field is c onsidered in a 2D and 3D classical relativistic approach with special attention being paid to the influence of the laser magnetic field and the breakdown of the dipole approximation. We show the possibility of generation of hot quasi-free electrons in the multi-MeV energy regime for feasible pulsed laser fields of intensity similar to 10(19) W cm(- 2) and wavelength 1 mu m. The redshift of the electron oscillation fre quency with respect to that of the laser field, due to radiation-press ure-induced motion of the electron in the direction of laser pulse pro pagation, is used to explain previously unexpected energy boosts.