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Asymmetric molecular gating for supercontinuous high harmonic generation in the plateau
Pengfei Lan1, Peixiang Lu, Fang Li
1Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
Optics Express
|October 30, 2008
Summary
We demonstrate a new method for generating isolated attosecond pulses using asymmetric molecules to control high harmonic generation (HHG). This technique produces supercontinuous high harmonics, enabling the creation of ultrashort laser pulses.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Attosecond science
- Molecular physics
Background:
- High harmonic generation (HHG) is a key process for producing ultrashort light pulses.
- Molecular wave packets offer a novel pathway to control HHG.
- Generating isolated attosecond pulses is crucial for ultrafast science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new method for isolated attosecond pulse generation using asymmetric molecules.
- To control high harmonic generation by steering molecular photoionization.
- To produce supercontinuous high harmonics in the plateau region.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing asymmetric molecules to influence photoionization.
- Controlling HHG by manipulating molecular structure during ionization.
- Analyzing the spectral properties of generated high harmonics.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that photoionization is dependent on molecular structure.
- Achieved controlled HHG with asymmetric molecules, producing supercontinuous high harmonics.
- Generated an isolated 95-attosecond pulse from the plateau region.
- Observed a broad bandwidth and high yield in the harmonic plateau.
Conclusions:
- The presented method effectively generates isolated attosecond pulses.
- Asymmetric molecules provide a viable route for controlling HHG and producing ultrashort pulses.
- The broad bandwidth of the harmonic plateau is advantageous for short pulse generation.
