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Efficiency-optimized relativistic plasma harmonics for extreme fields
Robin J L Timmis1,2, Colm R J Fitzpatrick3, Jonathan P Kennedy3
1Atomic and Laser Physics sub-Department, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. robin.timmis@physics.ox.ac.uk.
Nature
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Researchers achieved maximum conversion efficiency for bright harmonic radiation by optimizing laser-plasma interactions. This breakthrough enables extreme electromagnetic field generation for studying quantum electrodynamics and attosecond science.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Plasma Physics
- Nonlinear Optics
Background:
- Bright harmonic radiation from laser-plasma interactions can generate extreme electromagnetic fields.
- Coherent harmonic focus (CHF) theory predicts significant laser energy compression.
- Previous experiments achieved spatial and temporal compression but not efficient energy coupling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate maximum conversion efficiencies in laser-plasma harmonic generation.
- To achieve efficient coupling of intense laser pulse energy into the harmonic cone.
- To enable the generation of extreme optical field strengths.
Main Methods:
- Tailoring the temporal profile of the driving laser on sub-picosecond timescales.
- Utilizing relativistically oscillating laser plasmas.
- Analyzing the emitted harmonic radiation spectrum and energy.
Main Results:
- Achieved >9 mJ energies for harmonics 12 through 47.
- Demonstrated agreement with theoretically predicted efficiency dependence on harmonic order.
- Verified optimal conditions for harmonic generation, achieving maximum conversion efficiencies.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully demonstrated maximum conversion efficiencies in laser-plasma harmonic generation.
- This achievement is crucial for realizing the predicted intensity boosts from a CHF.
- Opens pathways for all-optical studies of the quantum vacuum and advances in attosecond science.
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