Benchmark of few-level quantum theory vs ab initio numerical solutions for the strong-field Autler–Townes effect in photoionization of hydrogen

• Published in: Journal of physics. B, Atomic, molecular, and optical physics Atomic, molecular, and optical physics, 2022-07, Vol.55 (16)
• Main Authors: Younis, D., Eberly, J. H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Optics; Physics
• ISSN: 0953-4075; 1361-6455

Abstract The temporal and spectral consequences of an intermediate resonance en route to photoionization are investigated theoretically in two ways: by solving few-level model equations and byab initionumerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, in both cases for hydrogen in three dimensions. The model consists of atomic states resonantly field-dressed in a three-level reduction of the hydrogen atom that consists of the 2p–3d(Balmer) transition and one energetically-distant continuum state. The model’s level occupation probabilities are derived from three Schrödinger amplitude equations and are benchmarked against anab initionumerical solution for the hydrogen electron’s wavefunction under the same field. We examine contrasts between the results of the two approaches with a particular focus on Autler–Townes doublets that appear in the photoelectron spectrum.