Abstract

The principles of quantum optics suggest certain points of view in problems involving the interaction of intense radiation with atoms and electrons. These principles can frequently be used as a guide regarding the value of perturbation theory, the utility of dressed-state or Floquet methods, the presence or absence of significant electron-photon correlations, the relevance of Fermi's Golden Rule, and so on. They can also point to the existence of possible scaling relationships and assist in the qualitative interpretation of diverse data. We will attempt to show how an application of these principles leads to some tentative conclusions regarding the behavior of atoms and electrons in intense radiation fields.

© 1986 Optical Society of America