High-order harmonics from laser-irradiated plasma surfaces
- Fachhochschule Oldenburg/Ostfriesland/Wilhelmshaven, University of Applied Sciences, Fachbereich Technik, Photonik, Constantiaplatz 4, 26723 Emden (Germany)
The investigation of high-order harmonic generation (HHG) of femtosecond laser pulses by means of laser-produced plasmas is surveyed. This kind of harmonic generation is an alternative to the HHG in gases and shows significantly higher conversion efficiency. Furthermore, with plasma targets there is no limitation on applicable laser intensity and thus the generated harmonics can be much more intense. In principle, harmonic light may also be generated at relativistic laser intensity, in which case their harmonic intensities may even exceed that of the focused laser pulse by many orders of magnitude. This phenomenon presents new opportunities for applications such as nonlinear optics in the extreme ultraviolet region, photoelectron spectroscopy, and opacity measurements of high-density matter with high temporal and spatial resolution. On the other hand, HHG is strongly influenced by the laser-plasma interaction itself. In particular, recent results show a strong correlation with high-energy electrons generated during the interaction process. The harmonics are a promising tool for obtaining information not only on plasma parameters such as the local electron density, but also on the presence of large electric and magnetic fields, plasma waves, and the (electron) transport inside the target. This paper reviews the theoretical and experimental progress on HHG via laser-plasma interactions and discusses the prospects for applying HHG as a short-wavelength, coherent optical tool.
- OSTI ID:
- 22038448
- Journal Information:
- Reviews of Modern Physics, Vol. 81, Issue 2; Other Information: (c) 2009 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6861
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CONVERSION
CORRELATIONS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRON DENSITY
EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
HARMONIC GENERATION
HARMONICS
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
LIGHT TRANSMISSION
MAGNETIC FIELDS
NONLINEAR OPTICS
OPACITY
PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA PRODUCTION
PLASMA WAVES
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
SPATIAL RESOLUTION
SURFACES
WAVELENGTHS