A split-domain algorithm for time-dependent multi-electron wave functions Original Research Article

A computational technique for studying the time-development of two-electron systems is presented, with particular attention given to photoionization or photodetachment of two-electron, one-dimensional model atoms. The technique is based on a partitioning of the spatial wave function into inner and outer parts. The electron-electron interaction is fully accounted for in the inner part, but neglected in the outer part, where the electrons are typically far apart. The time development of the inner part is calculated using a full numerical grid, but the time-development of the outer part is accomplished using canonical basis states. The use of canonical basis states allows the study of atom-laser dynamics for much longer laser pulse durations and lower laser frequencies than would be possible using standard grid techniques.