Multiphoton polarization bremsstrahlung effect

Based on the many-particle theory, a general approach to the stimulated polarization effects in a strong periodic field is formulated. A relation to the perturbation theory is demonstrated and forms of the effective polarization potentials for isolated atoms and ions and for ions in plasma are presented. The state of the art of the theory of stimulated polarization bremsstrahlung effect is analyzed, and some prospects for further experimental and analytical investigations are outlined. ©2001 Plenum Publishing Corporation.