Generation of higher harmonics of laser radiation in plasma formed by pulses with a 1-kHz repetition rate

Studies of higher-order nonlinearities in plasma plumes by the method of higher-harmonic generation (HHG) upon laser ablation of different materials by pulses with a repetition rate of 1 kHz are reviewed. It is shown that an increase in the pulse repetition rate compared to the previous works on HHG in plasma using lasers with a pulse repetition rate of 10 KHz considerably increases the average power of converted radiation in the far-ultraviolet (FUV) region. The review considers the results of works on the interference of quantum trajectories of accelerated electrons, two-color pumping, HHG in graphite plasma, HHG in gases compared to HHG in plasma plumes, resonant enhancement of harmonics, and stabilization of the output parameters of radiation converted in plasma. It is shown that the new methods of optimization of the HHG process considerably increase the potential of the use of coherent FUV radiation owing to the improvement of some characteristics of harmonics in plasma generated by pulses with a high repetition rate.     

Three-step model for high-harmonic generation in many-electron systems

The three-step model (TSM) of high-harmonic generation (HHG) is generalized to atomic and molecular many-electron systems. Using many-body perturbation theory, corrections to the standard TSM due to exchange and electron-electron correlations are derived. It is shown that canonical Hartree-Fock orbitals represent the most appropriate set of one-electron states for calculating the HHG spectrum. To zeroth order in many-body perturbation theory, a HHG experiment allows direct access, in general, to a combination of occupied Hartree-Fock orbitals rather than to the highest occupied molecular orbital by itself.     

Role of thermal conduction in single-bubble cavitation

Effect of thermal conduction on radiation from a single cavitating bubble has been studied in a hydrochemical framework including variation of heat conductivity of noble gases up to 2500 K. Results of numerical simulation show that thermal conductivity plays an important role in determining ultimate cavitation temperature. Higher thermal conductivity of lighter noble gases causes to more thermal dissipation during the bubble collapse, leading to a lower peak temperature. Moreover, at the same driving conditions, radius of light emitting region is greater for heavier noble bubbles. Therefore, sonoluminescence radiation is more intensive from heavier noble gases. Phase diagrams of single-bubble sonoluminescence have also been calculated and in comparison with available experimental data, there is a relatively good agreement between the theory and experiment for noble gases.     

Optimization of high-harmonic generation

The dependence of the high-harmonic conversion efficiency in noble gases on experimental parameters is analyzed. The results presented here supply a guideline for the optimization of HHG. The most striking finding of our analysis is the dependence of the harmonic yield on the laser pulse duration. It is generally accepted that the harmonic yield increases for shorter pulse durations. Calculations in neon show that this is only true for harmonics close to the cutoff. Away from the cutoff however, the harmonic yield increases approximately linearly with the pulse duration.     

A nonperturbative quantum electrodynamic approach to the theory of laser induced high harmonic generation

Using nonperturbative quantum electrodynamics, we develop a scattering theory for high harmonic generation (HHG). A transition rate formula for HHG is obtained. Applying this formula, we calculate the spectra of high harmonics generated from different noble gases shined by strong laser light. We study the cutoff property of the spectra. The data show that the cutoff orders of high harmonics are greater than that predicted by the “3.17” cutoff law. As a numerical experiment, the data obtained from our repeated calculations support the newly derived theoretical expression of the cutoff law. The cutoff energy of high harmonics described by the new cutoff law, in terms of the ponderomotive energy U_p and the ionization potential energy I_p, is 3.34U_p+ 1.83I_p. The higher cutoff orders predicted by this theory are due to the absorption of the extra photons, which participate only the photon-mode up-conversion and do nothing in the photoionization process.     

The Frequency Shifts of the Nuclear Magnetic Momenta Larmor Precession in the Mixture of Two Noble Gases

The dynamics of nuclear magnetization in the mixture of two noble gases with different gyromagnetic ratios of the nuclei is studied theoretically. The nuclear magnetization is induced by the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, which causes the nuclear magnetic resonance in both types of noble gases in the mixture. Frequency shifts of the nuclear magnetic resonance appeared due to an interaction between different types of the noble gases is analytically predicted. The specifics of these shifts are such that they cannot be compensated by means of the external magnetic field. The nature of the magnetic field distortion in the cell caused by the nuclear magnetization is also discussed.     

Relativistic laser plasmas for novel radiation sources

Relativistic laser-plasma interaction results in new sources of short-pulsed x-ray radiation. Here we consider two options. The first one is betatron radiation of electrons accelerated in underdense plasmas and oscillating in transverse fields of the laser wake. This radiation is incoherent and broadband, the pulse duration is comparable with that of the driving laser. The second option is the high harmonic generation (HHG) from overdense plasma surfaces. This radiation is coherent. The relativistic high harmonics are phase locked and emerge in the form of (sub-)attosecond pulses. One- and three-dimensional regimes of relativistic HHG from overdense plasmas are considered.     

脉冲激光偏振方向对氮分子高次谐波的影响－－基于含时密度泛函理论的模拟

采用含时密度泛函方法，结合赝势模型和电子交换相关作用的广义梯度近似，模拟了氮分子在超强飞秒激光脉冲作用下的高次谐波产生现象，并研究了激光脉冲偏振方向对氮分子高次谐波的影响.结果表明氮分子的高次谐波谱具有典型原子谐波谱的特征；谐波谱强度随着θ(激光偏振方向与分子轴向夹角)的增大而减小.这与J.Itatanl在Nature上报道的实验结果基本一致. 关键词： 含时密度泛函理论 激光偏振方向 高次谐波 氮分子     

Simulation of above-threshold ionization experiments using the strong-field approximation

Recently performed above-threshold ionization (ATI) experiments with noble gases allow the determination of the complete energy and angular distribution of the emitted photoelectrons. In order to simulate such experiments, we have generalized our numerical code for the calculation of ATI spectra in order to achieve a realistic simulation of ATI of the noble gases He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe. Our method is based on an improved version of the strong-field approximation and includes focal averaging. A semiclassical analysis of the dependence of the cutoff law on the photoelectron emission angle is presented. The effects of channel closings on the high-energy spectra are analyzed.     

脉冲激光偏振方向对氧分子高次谐波的影响——基于含时密度泛函理论的模拟

采用含时密度泛函方法,结合赝势模型和电子交换相关作用的广义梯度近似,模拟了氧分子在超强飞秒激光脉冲作用下的高次谐波产生现象,并研究了激光脉冲偏振方向对氧分子高次谐波的影响.结果表明氧分子的高次谐波谱具有典型原子谐波谱的特征;当θ=45°(激光偏振方向与分子轴向夹角)时,谐波谱强度最大.这与文献报道的实验结果基本一致.     

Theoretical investigation of the structure of X-ray photoelectron spectra of crystals

In the one-electron approximation general relations are obtained which determine the X-ray photoemission intensity from mono- and poly-crystalline solids. To describe the excited electron states plane waves and orthogonalized plane waves have been used. It is shown that consideration of orthogonalization terms is important when photoionization cross-sections of valence electrons are to be calculated. Results are discussed using the examples of transition metals, noble metals, semiconductors and dielectrics possessing the diamond and zinc-blende structure. The spectra from poly-crystals and single crystals of transition metals can differ markedly, but in the case of dielectrics the difference is small. Calculated X-ray photoelectron spectra of crystals are in good agreement with experimental data. To obtain detailed information of the spectrum structure, especially when transition metals are considered, the many-electron effects must be taken into account.     

New features of laser-induced gas breakdown in the ultraviolet

A study of gas breakdown induced by the ultraviolet second harmonic of ruby laser radiation has revealed an anomalously high threshold intensity for hydrogen. In addition, it has been demonstrated for the first time that the focal volume dependence of the breakdown threshold, of a number of molecular and noble gases, is influenced by the frequency of the incident radiation.     

High-order harmonic generation in nanoparticle-containing laser-produced plasmas

Nanoparticle-containing media can be used for the efficient high-order harmonic generation (HHG) of laser radiation in the extreme ultraviolet range. We review the results of recent studies of the HHG in laser-produced plasmas containing Ag, Au, Pd, Pt, Ru, GaN, BaTiO₃, and SrTiO₃ nanoparticles. The harmonics of femtosecond radiation up to the 55th order were achieved using the nanoparticle-containing plumes, when the femtosecond radiation propagated through the preformed plasma. These results are compared with the high-order harmonics generated from the plasma produced on the surface of bulk targets at different delays between the subnanosecond heating prepulse and femtosecond pulse. We discuss a six-fold enhancement of the HHG yield, which was achieved in the case of nanoparticle-containing plumes with regard to the monoparticle-containing plasmas.     

Femtosecond enhancement cavity with kilowatt average power

Femtosecond enhancement cavity(fsEC) has been proved to be a powerful tool in a diverse range of applications.Here, we report the recent progresses in building an fsEC on kilowatt level average power, with the aim of realization of intracavity high harmonic generation(HHG) and extension of the wavelength of femtosecond optical frequency comb from infrared(IR) to extreme ultraviolet(XUV). Upon mode-matching optimization and cavity length locking, an intracavity average power of 6.08 kW is reached and the corresponding buildup is 225. After introducing noble gas of Xe into the focus region, clear sign of plasma has been observed. The generated HHG is also coupled out by a sapphire plate placed at Brewster's angle for the fundamental laser. Our work paves the way for the realization of an XUV comb.     

极化门控制下中红外激光场驱动He原子产生的单个阿秒脉冲

由中红外激光场(波长为2128nm)驱动He原子,在极化门的控制下,通过强场近似方法(SFA)研究了He原子发射高次谐波的特点.研究表明,在这种组合场驱动下He原子可产生截止位置很高的高次谐波,并且在接近截止位置的平台区展现了超连续的特点,对该超连续部分的高次谐波进行叠加,可得到宽度为44.5as的单个超短脉冲.为了了解该超短阿秒脉冲的产生机理,我们对高次谐波谱的发射过程进行了时频分析,分析表明由于极化门的存在,有效地抑制了极化门以外的阿秒脉冲的发射,从而获得单个阿秒脉冲.     

Total cross sections for charge transfer reactions of protons with atomic and molecular targets at high projectile energies: The role of inner orbitals

The single capture total cross section (TCS) for scattering of high energy protons from some noble gases and small molecules is calculated by using the full plane wave first Born approximation (PWFBA). It is shown that even deep subshells have a noticeable contribution to the resulting TCS. We also find that the exchange mechanism which can also be incorporated in the PWFBA gives rise to a small effect on TCS for all the investigated targets.     

High-order harmonic generation enhanced by XUV light

The combination of high-order harmonic generation (HHG) with resonant XUV excitation of a core electron into the transient valence vacancy that is created in the course of the HHG process is investigated theoretically. In this setup, the first electron performs a HHG three-step process, whereas the second electron Rabi flops between the core and the valence vacancy. The modified HHG spectrum due to recombination with the valence and the core is determined and analyzed for krypton on the 3d→4p resonance in the ion. We assume an 800?nm laser with an intensity of about 10(14)?W/cm2 and XUV radiation from the Free Electron Laser in Hamburg (FLASH) with an intensity in the range 10(13)-10(16)W cm2. Our prediction opens perspectives for nonlinear XUV physics, attosecond x rays, and HHG-based spectroscopy involving core orbitals.     

极化门控制下中红外激光场驱动He原子产生的单个阿秒脉冲

由中红外激光场（波长为2128nm）驱动He原子,在极化门的控制下,通过强场近似方法(SFA)研究了He原子发射高次谐波的特点.研究表明,在这种组合场驱动下He原子可产生截止位置很高的高次谐波,并且在接近截止位置的平台区展现了超连续的特点,对该超连续部分的高次谐波进行叠加,可得到宽度为44.5as的单个超短脉冲．为了了解该超短阿秒脉冲的产生机理,我们对高次谐波谱的发射过程进行了时频分析,分析表明由于极化门的存在,有效地抑制了极化门以外的阿秒脉冲的发射,从而获得单个阿秒脉冲．     

On the completeness of one-particle states of a many-electron atom

A method for constructing the complete set of one-particle states of a many-electron atom is proposed in the framework of the one-configuration Hartree-Fock approximation.     

Higher harmonic generation in laser plasma upon interaction of femtosecond laser pulses with doubly and singly charged ions under conditions of resonance frequency conversion of laser radiation

The higher harmonic generation (HHG) in plasmas formed on the surface of different solid targets (Pb, Ag, Ge, In, Au, Cr, Pt, V, Mn, Ga, Bi, Sb, Cu, Al, Ca, and Sn) by laser ablation is studied. The possibility of HHG upon interaction of femtosecond radiation with doubly charged ions is studied on the example of Mn plasma. This process allowed generation of higher harmonics of up to the 101st order. The results of investigation of individual enhanced harmonics in Sn, Sb, In, and Cr plasmas are presented. Comparison of the conditions of HHG in weakly and strongly excited plasmas showed that the latter is preferable for efficient frequency conversion. It is demonstrated that the use of laser plasma spectroscopy with high time resolution allows one to determine the optimal conditions for generation of harmonics with a plateaulike distribution in the far-UV spectral region.