Polarization in strong-field ionization of excited helium

We analyze how bound-state excitation, electron exchange and the residual binding potential influence above-threshold ionization (ATI) in Helium prepared an excited $p$ state, oriented parallel perpendicular to a linearly polarized mid-IR field. Using ab initio B-spline Algebraic Diagrammatic Construction (ADC), several one-electron methods with effective potentials, including Schr\"odinger solver Qprop, modified versions of Strong-Field Approximation Coulomb-Quantum Orbit (CQSFA), we find that these specific physical mechanisms leave significant imprints ATI spectra photoelectron momentum distributions. Examples are changes up two orders magnitude high-energy region, ramp-like structures can be traced back Coulomb-distorted trajectories. The present work also shows renders rescattering less effective, causing suppressions plateau. Due long-range potential, continuum dynamics no longer confined polarization axis, contrast predictions traditional approaches. Thus, one may principle probe excited-state configurations driving-field without need for orthogonally fields.