Intense-Field Stabilization of Atoms with Nonzero Magnetic Quantum Numbers

A classical analysis of the interaction of an atomic electron with an oscillating electric field with arbitrary initial quantum state n, magnetic quantum number m > 0, field strength, and frequency shows that the classical dynamics for the perturbed electron can be stabilized for large fields or high frequencies. Using a map approximation to the classical dynamics, explicit formulas are derived for the full parameter dependence of the boundaries of stability surrounding the "death valley" of rapid classical ionization. These results provide motivation and guidance for further theoretical and experimental studies of the stabilization of atoms in super-intense microwave and laser fields.