Quantum chaos in strong field ionization of hydrogen

Abstract

We present a study of quantum chaos in the strong field ionization of hydrogen atoms. We use the Bohmian approach to quantum mechanics which allows us to use classical tools such as the Lyapunov exponents to characterize chaotic dynamics. We consider the hydrogen atom in a monochromatic electromagnetic field for the tunneling and intermediate regimes of ionization (corresponding to the values. 1 of the Keldysh parameter). We show that with increasing frequency the quantum dynamics of this system becomes increasingly chaotic.