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Updated: May 24, 2026
06:42
Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Interference between competing pathways in atomic harmonic generation
A C Brown1, S Hutchinson, M A Lysaght
1Centre for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
Physical Review Letters
|March 10, 2012
Summary
We studied how autoionizing resonances affect high harmonic generation in Argon gas. The fifth harmonic generation showed interference between 3s and 3p electron responses, impacting harmonic yields.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Nonlinear Optics
Background:
- High harmonic generation (HHG) is a key process in nonlinear optics.
- Understanding electron correlation is crucial for predicting HHG spectra.
- Autoionizing resonances significantly influence atomic response to intense fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of autoionizing 3s3p(6)nℓ resonances on fifth harmonic generation in Argon.
- Analyze the role of multielectron response in shaping harmonic spectra.
- Elucidate the interference effects between different electron contributions to HHG.
Main Methods:
- Developed time-dependent R-matrix theory to calculate harmonic spectra.
- Simulated HHG spectra for Argon interacting with 200-240 nm laser fields.
- Analyzed harmonic yields as a function of laser wavelength.
Main Results:
- The fifth harmonic generation is influenced by autoionizing resonances.
- Observed interference between the 3s and 3p electron responses.
- Demonstrated asymmetric profiles in harmonic yields due to this interference.
Conclusions:
- Autoionizing resonances play a critical role in HHG.
- Multielectron dynamics, specifically the interference between 3s and 3p electron responses, significantly affect the fifth harmonic.
- The findings provide insights into controlling HHG spectra through electron correlation.
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