Lorentz ionization of atoms in a strong magnetic field

Lorentz ionization emerges due to the motion of atoms or ions in a strong magnetic field. We use the semiclassical approximation to calculate the probability w _L of Lorentz ionization. We also find the stabilization factor S, which takes into account the reduction by the magnetic field of the probability of ionization decay of the bound s state. We estimate the probabilities w _L in magnetic-cumulation experiments and in astrophysics. We also qualitatively examine the dynamics of the magnetic cumulation process with allowance for the conductivity of the shell. Finally, we discuss a paradox related to the use of the quasistationary solution at the shell expansion stage. Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 115, 1642–1663 (May 1999)