Numerical Relativistic Quantum Optics

A general solution for relativistic quantum optics problems is developed, with a view toward describing the ionization of high charge state ions by laser fields. Solutions of the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations are discussed, with emphasis on the latter. The stationary states in a Coulomb potential and uniform magnetic field are determined analytically and numerically. Fully time dependent numerical calculations of relativistic wavefunctions in extreme magnetic fields are validated. The relativistic ionization rate is computed for an ion illuminated by a laser field near the usual barrier suppression threshold, which, so far, appears to remain valid in the relativistic limit. Ponderomotive effects can be seen in the calculated wavefunction. Computational performance is important due to the rapid oscillations in a relativistic wavefunction. Multiple General Purpose Graphical Processing Units are utilized in parallel by means of the Message Passing Interface in order to speed up calculations.
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