Distinguishing local isomorphism classes in quasicrystals by high-order harmonic spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Crystallography

Background:

• Electron diffraction spectroscopy is key for studying quasicrystal long-range order.
• Distinguishing local isomorphism classes in quasicrystals remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optically resolve different local isomorphism classes in 2D generalized Penrose quasicrystals.
• To investigate the potential of high-order harmonic generation for quasicrystal analysis.

Main Methods:

• Studying high-order harmonic generation in generalized Penrose quasicrystals.
• Analyzing harmonic spectra and yields from different quasicrystal regions.
• Examining the rotational symmetry of harmonic yields.

Main Results:

• Harmonic spectra are identical across different quasicrystal regions despite varied atomic arrangements.
• Harmonic yields vary among local isomorphism classes, enabling their distinction.
• Rotational symmetry of harmonic yield correlates with quasicrystal orientation order.

Conclusions:

• High-order harmonic generation offers a method to identify quasicrystal local isomorphism classes.
• The findings support experimental reproducibility and understanding of electron dynamics in quasicrystals.
• This technique provides insights into electron behavior influenced by local atomic environments.