Time–dependent quantum theory I. An absorber in an intense radiation field

A function analogue of the formal operator theory of Goldberger and Watson for the decay of prepared states is developed with a modification that permits treatment of degenerate, interacting intermediate states. The theory is applied to the problem of absorption of radiation by an absorber in a very intense monochromatic beam. In particular, a simple two‐level absorber in a resonant monochromatic beam of sufficient intensity to induce transitions from the ground state at a rate exceeding the spontaneous emission rate from the excited state, but still lying well below the optical frequency characterizing the transition, is investigated with the conclusion that the absorption cross‐section falls off with the one‐half power of the incident intensity. Conditions for the possible experimental verification of this result are presented.