The high-field ionization rate of a one-dimensional atomic model using a Gaussian potential well is calculated classically. The results are in qualitative agreement with quantum calculations; for sufficiently strong fields the ionization rate decreases, in an oscillatory manner, with increasing field strength. In addition, some apparent disagreements in the literature are resolved by pointing out the distinction between interpretations of suppression as a reduction in ionization rate or as a reduction in ionization probability. Similarly, the relation between ionization suppression and stabilization is discussed, and as an example it is shown that the present results do not contradict earlier claims of no stabilization in short-range potentials.

• Received 3 March 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.56.2459