CONTRIBUTION TO THE THEORY OF LORENTZIAN IONIZATION

The probability w(L) of Lorentzian ionization, which arises when an at om or ion moves in a constant magnetic held, is calculated in the quas iclassical approximation. The nonrelativistic (upsilon less than or si milar to e(2)/(h) over bar = 1, upsilon is the velocity of the atom) a nd ultrarelativistic (upsilon --> c = 137) cases are examined and the stabilization factor S, which takes account of the effect of the magne tic field on tunneling of an electron, is found. (C) 1997 American Ins titute of Physics.