Multiphoton-Induced Directional Emission of Halogen Atoms from Alkali Halides

Abstract
Multiphoton-induced directional emission of halogen atoms and ions from fcc KCl, KBr, and NaCl single crystals has been observed in the [110] and [211] direction during interaction of the crystals with strong ruby laser pulses. Nonradiative decay of self-trapped excitons and subsequent replacement collision chains seem to account for this effect. Some difficulties remain with the mechanism for the previously unobserved [211] emission.