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Few-cycle laser pulse characterization on-target using high-harmonic generation from nano-scale solids
Optics Express
|February 1, 2024
Summary
We developed high-harmonic generation for time-domain observation (HHG-TOE) to measure ultrashort mid-infrared laser pulse waveforms. This technique accurately characterizes femtosecond laser pulses at the interaction point.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Solid-state physics
- Ultrafast science
Background:
- High-harmonic generation (HHG) is a crucial nonlinear optical process.
- Characterizing ultrashort laser pulses is essential for ultrafast science.
- Existing methods for pulse characterization can be complex or indirect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel method for time-domain observation of the electric field using HHG (HHG-TOE).
- To measure the waveform of ultrashort mid-infrared (MIR) laser pulses.
- To provide a straightforward and accurate pulse characterization technique at the point of interaction.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing high-harmonic generation (HHG) perturbed by a weak replica of the pump pulse.
- Interacting MIR laser pulses with ZnO thin-films and WS2 monolayers.
- Measuring the duration of few-cycle pulses at 3200 nm.
Main Results:
- Successfully measured the waveform of ultrashort MIR laser pulses.
- Determined the duration of few-cycle pulses with reasonable agreement to established techniques.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of HHG-TOE for pulse characterization.
Conclusions:
- HHG-TOE offers a direct and accurate method for characterizing femtosecond laser pulses.
- The technique is suitable for measurements at the point of interaction in HHG experiments.
- This advancement simplifies and improves the accuracy of ultrafast laser pulse diagnostics.
