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Redirection and reshaping of intense extreme-ultraviolet radiation
Yu He1, Alexander Magunia1, Harijyoti Mandal1
1Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
Science Advances
|May 29, 2026
Summary
Scientists developed a new extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) phase modulator using resonant targets. This device reshapes XUV laser beams, enabling better control for studying quantum systems and ultrafast dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Ultrafast Dynamics
- Laser-Matter Interactions
Background:
- Advancements in extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) and X-ray sources are crucial for investigating ultrafast dynamics in quantum systems.
- Controlling short-wavelength radiation is essential for manipulating these dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an XUV spatio-spectral phase modulator for controlling short-wavelength radiation.
- To demonstrate its application in studying quantum phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Propagating an intense XUV laser beam through an optically thick resonant target.
- Analyzing the resulting dipole radiation and far-field spectral properties.
- Experimental validation at the Free-Electron Laser in Hamburg (FLASH).
Main Results:
- The XUV phase modulator introduced dispersion profile variations, spectrally reshaping and increasing the divergence of the XUV beam.
- Observed a double-peak off-axis structure in the far-field spectrum.
- Experimental results indicated XUV-driven Rabi dynamics and resonant pulse propagation effects.
Conclusions:
- The presented XUV phase modulator offers a novel method for controlling and characterizing short-wavelength radiation.
- The study highlights a common phenomenon in intense laser-resonant medium interactions.
- This technique can advance the investigation and manipulation of ultrafast dynamics in quantum systems.
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