Atomic Double Ionization with Quantum Light
Haoyu Liu, Hanxu Zhang, Xu Wang, Jianmin Yuan
Abstract
Quantum light-specifically light in noncoherent quantum states-can now be generated with intensities high enough to induce nonlinear responses in atoms, marking the emergence of a new "quantum era" in strong-field atomic physics. In this Letter, we explore the influence of quantum states of light on one of the key processes in this field: atomic double ionization. We develop a theoretical framework to model the interaction between a two-electron atom and light in arbitrary quantum states, such as phase-squeezed coherent states or bright squeezed vacuum states. Our results reveal that the quantum state of light significantly impacts the atomic double ionization process, leading to substantial changes in ionization probability and correlated electron momentum distribution.