Theory of resonant optical breakdown of gases

V. A. Kas'yanov, A. N. Starostin


Abstract: A quantum kinetic equation is derived for electrons in the field of an electromagnetic wave having a photon energy similar to the transition energy of an atomic (molecular) system. Expressions are given for the transition probabilities contained in the kinetic equation for various application regimes and durations of the electromagnetic radiation. The decrease in the threshold resonant breakdown intensity is estimated for cesium vapor and satisfactory agreement is obtained with the experiments.

UDC: 621.373.826

PACS: 51.50.+v

Received: 13.05.1980
Revised: 08.09.1980

 English version: Soviet Journal of Quantum Electronics, 1981, 11:5, 625–628

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