Dynamics of the Coulomb explosion of large clusters in a strong laser field - art. no. 013201

The multielectron ionization and Coulomb explosion of Xe-55, Xe-249, Xe-531 , and Xe-1061 clusters in a strong laser held is studied using classical dy namics simulations, which describe the motion of unbound electrons and ions . The generation of the unbound electrons is described as the removal of bo und electrons from their host atoms (ions) by the electrostatic barrier sup pression or collisional ionization. According to the results of simulations performed for the laser power 10(16) W/cm(2) and frequency 0.386 fs(-1), a lmost all unbound electrons are removed from the clusters. In large Xe-531 and Xe-1061 clusters, electrons are removed mainly when the size of the clu sters is enlarged due to Coulomb explosion. The quasiresonance energy enhan cement is shown to be mainly responsible for the removal of electrons from the clusters. The energy enhancement process is hampered by electron-electr on and electron-ion collisions.