Nuclear recollisions in laser-assisted α decay

Laser-induced nuclear recollisions following α decay in the presence of an intense laser field are investigated theoretically. We show that while an intense optical laser does not influence notably the tunneling rate in α decay, it can completely change the α particle spectrum. For intensities of 1022-1023 W/cm2, the field is strong enough to induce recollisions between the emitted α particle and the daughter nucleus. The energy gained by the α particle in the field can reach 20 MeV and suffice to trigger several types of nuclear reactions on a femtosecond time scale. Similar conclusions can be drawn about laser-induced recollisions after proton emission. Prospects for the experimental realization of laser-induced nuclear recollisions are discussed.