Highly efficient harmonic vortex generation from a laser irradiated hollow-cone target

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Plasma Physics
• Nonlinear Optics

Background:

• Ultraviolet harmonic vortices are generated by high-power laser pulses in micro-scale waveguides.
• Harmonic generation is limited by electrostatic potential buildup, quenching surface wave amplitude over short distances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel hollow-cone channel to overcome limitations in harmonic vortex generation.
• To enable sustained surface wave amplitude for efficient harmonic generation over longer distances.

Main Methods:

• Utilized three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations.
• Investigated laser pulse propagation in a hollow-cone channel target.

Main Results:

• The hollow-cone channel effectively counters electrostatic potential buildup.
• Surface waves maintain high amplitude over extended propagation distances.
• Achieved high-efficiency harmonic vortex production (>20%).

Conclusions:

• The proposed hollow-cone channel scheme is a viable method for efficient harmonic vortex generation.
• Paves the way for developing powerful extreme ultraviolet optical vortex sources.
• Significant potential for fundamental and applied physics research.