Multiple ionization of a silver diatomic molecule in an intense laser field

Time-dependent density functional studies of multiple ionization of Ag2 in an intense laser field (1.0 × 1014 W/cm2) are presented. Special emphasis is placed on elucidating frequency dependence and effects of the d electrons on the ionization processes. We have found that the s and d electrons move reciprocally toward the opposite directions in a manner such that the electric field induced by the s-electron polarization is cancelled out by the d electrons. This screening effect of the d electrons suppresses the multiple ionization in marked contrast to molecular systems such as alkali metal clusters which do not accompany inner d-electrons.