Strong-field approximation in photoionization

The definition and characteristics of the strong-field environment for an atom in a laser field are specified in terms of the relevant intensity parameters. The limits of perturbation theory are set, and it is emphasized that this must be done in terms of laser field energy, not electric field strength. The formal basis and special features of the SFA (strong-field approximation) are reviewed, and it is pointed out that the three methods encompassed in the so-called KFR (Keldysh-Faisal-Reiss) technique are actually quite different. Validity conditions and some applications of the SFA are given. (author)