Quantum interferences in resonant multiphoton-ionization processes for a strongly coupled atomic system

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Abstract
The resonant multiphoton-ionization (MPI) processes in a strongly coupled atomic system have been investigated theoretically and experimentally using atomic hydrogen as a test medium. The characteristics are described with a parameter NL: the product of atom density and interaction length. The MPI characteristics exhibit a single-atom behavior revealing an Autler-Townes doublet in the low-NL region. In the high-NL region, the Autler-Townes doublet is suppressed to almost zero. This phenomenon is shown to be due to destructive interference between the excitation channels to the strongly coupled upper states. It is also shown that a narrow Doppler-free MPI peak appears at the split center of the Autler-Townes doublet in the high-NL region as a consequence of the strong coupling and the propagation effect. © 1996 The American Physical Society.