We report a new method which allows sequential and non-sequential double-io
nization rates in laser-driven helium to be distinguished and calculated se
parately. The method is applied to calculate such rates for two laser pulse
s, one of 0.236 au frequency and 8.0 x 10(15) W cm(-2) peak intensity, the
other of 1.0 au frequency and also of 8.0 x 10(15) W cm(-2) peak intensity.