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Wavelength scaling of high harmonic generation efficiency
A D Shiner1, C Trallero-Herrero, N Kajumba
1National Research Council of Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada.
Physical Review Letters
|October 2, 2009
Summary
Longer wavelength lasers for high harmonic generation show a dramatic efficiency drop, contrary to expectations. Experiments confirm this unfavorable scaling, impacting extreme ultraviolet light production.
Area of Science:
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Laser Physics
Background:
- High harmonic generation (HHG) is a key process for producing extreme ultraviolet (XUV) light.
- Longer laser driver wavelengths are theoretically predicted to enhance XUV frequency.
- Previous numerical studies suggested a significant drop in HHG efficiency with increasing driver wavelength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the scaling of high harmonic yield with laser driver wavelength.
- To compare experimental results with theoretical predictions for HHG efficiency.
- To understand the impact of wavelength scaling on XUV light generation.
Main Methods:
- Experimental study of high harmonic yield using laser drivers from 800 nm to 1850 nm.
- Utilized a thin gas jet to minimize phase-matching effects.
- Maintained constant laser intensity and focal spot size, measuring ion yield to determine atom density.
Main Results:
- Observed a dramatic fall in high harmonic yield with increasing wavelength.
- Experimental scaling found to be approximately lambda(-6.3) in Xenon and lambda(-6.5) in Krypton.
- Results indicate a more unfavorable scaling than predicted by recent numerical studies.
Conclusions:
- The efficiency of high harmonic generation decreases significantly with longer laser driver wavelengths.
- Experimental findings highlight challenges in utilizing longer wavelengths for efficient XUV production.
- Further research is needed to reconcile experimental observations with theoretical models.
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