It is proposed to study high intensity laser atom interactions, both theoretically and experimentally, using the table top terawatt laser at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. Two related topics have been chosen for experimental study. the first is the effect of pulse width and bandwidth on multiphoton ionization rates. The second is high order harmonic generation in noble gases. In tandem with these projects it is planned to increase the laser intensity through use of an off.axis parabolic mirror. It is also proposed to continue theoretical investigations into high intensity laser.atom interactions, concentrating on the calculation and use of ab initio wave functions of model atoms.
