Representative electrons and energy exchange in strong laser fields

The problem of electron-ion collisions in an intense linearly polarized las er radiation held is numerically analyzed. The main contribution to the eff ective cross section of inelastic scattering is shown to be made by a small part of electrons-representative electrons. It is found out that at veloci ties lower than the oscillatory one these cross sections may multiply excee d the traditional cross sections. The effect is treated in terms of adiabat ic attraction of an electron repeatedly oscillating close to an ion and ins tantaneous or slow energy exchange with the held.