Tunnel ionization

Tunneling ionization is a process, in which electrons leak through the potential barrier of an atom or molecule. The potential barrier of an atom or molecule is distorted dramatically in a strong electric field. This reduces the path length of the barrier, the electrons have to overcome, so that they can easily escape from the atom or molecule. (See tunnel effect).

Since the electric field of light is an alternating field, the field direction is reversed at each half- period. Therefore, in each half cycle electrons arrive at the atom or molecule or remove yourself from it. In this operation, some of the electrons recombine with the core or cores. As they accelerated by the electric field, bring a lot of kinetic energy, the excess energy is released as energy light. One can thus generate ultraviolet radiation in an efficient manner. If no recombination occurs, colliding energy electrons with atoms ( molecules) and ionize them further, whereby ions of higher valence (chemistry) arise.

• Atomic physics