We investigate a simply corrected Keldysh-Faisal-Reiss (KFR) rate formula for laser-induced ionization of atoms in the nonperturbative intensity domain. Predictions of the formula are compared, first, with ab initio Floquet calculations, which show good agreement in the nonperturbative intensity domain for not too short wavelengths. Second, they are found to agree with the results of numerical simulations for the H atom, provided the pulse lengths are not shorter than three field cycles, so that the adiabatic rate becomes a valid parameter. Finally, total single-ionization yields predicted by the present model are compared with 36 different experimental data sets for He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe, covering both linear and circular polarizations, and different wavelengths, pulse durations, and intensities; the results show a remarkable overall agreement with the data.

• Received 13 February 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.64.023408