Transitional effects in electron-atom scattering in a laser field near theinterface between radiation filled space and vacuum

We investigate the modifications of the energy spectrum in electron-atom sc attering in a laser field if the atom is placed near the interface between radiation filled space and vacuum. Considerable modifications are found if compared with the results for a laser beam of infinite extent. With the adv ent of femto- and attosecond laser pulses, the investigation of such edge e ffects will become of relevance in comparing experimental data with theoret ical predictions.