Abstract

Using crossed laser-relativistic ion beam (800 MeV) techniques, we have measured two- and three-photon detachments of the 0.75 eV bound electron in H^_ as a function of CO₂ laser photon energy, intensity, and polarization. The threshold region for photodetachment rose much faster for linear polarization than for circular polarization. Intensity scans of the H^- two- and three-photon detachments show a slight departure from the general power law. Two-photon, bound-bound, transitions in H°(n=4) → H°(n = 11) were also observed. Intensity scans for these transitions show a rate approximately ∝ I^1.25. Photon energy scans of this transition show a broadening with increasing laser intensity.

© 1992 Optical Society of America