Abstract
The threshold for H-atom ionization by elliptically polarized microwave fields is discussed within the classical-mechanics framework using the Chirikov overlap criterion. It is shown that the trends observed in the recent experiment [M. R. W. Bellermann et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 892 (1996)] are qualitatively reproduced by the theory; the origin of the remaining discrepancy is discussed. Increased stability of some orbits with respect to the perturbation due to the elliptically polarized microwaves has been related to vanishing widths of the corresponding resonance islands. Analytic Chirikov overlap prediction is compared with results of numerical simulations.
- Received 11 February 1997
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.56.719
©1997 American Physical Society