Spatial Aberrations in High-Order Harmonic Generation

Summary, in English

We investigate the spatial characteristics of high-order harmonic radiation generated in argon and observe cross-like patterns in the far field. An analytical model describing harmonics from an astigmatic driving beam reveals that these patterns result from the order and generation position-dependent divergence of harmonics. Even small amounts of driving field astigmatism may result in cross-like patterns, coming from the superposition of individual harmonics with spatial profiles elongated in different directions. By correcting the aberrations using a deformable mirror, we show that fine-tuning the driving wavefront is essential for optimal spatial quality of the harmonics.

• Author: Marius Plach; Federico Vismarra; Elisa Appi; Vénus Poulain; Jasper Peschel; Peter Smorenburg; David P. O’Dwyer; Stephen Edward; Yin Tao; Rocío Borrego-Varillas; Mauro Nisoli; Cord L. Arnold; Anne L’Huillier; Per Eng-Johnsson
• Department/s: Atomic Physics; LU Profile Area: Light and Materials; LTH Profile Area: Photon Science and Technology; NanoLund: Centre for Nanoscience; LTH Profile Area: Nanoscience and Semiconductor Technology; Lund Laser Centre, LLC
• Publishing year: 2024-01
• Language: English
• Publication/Series: Ultrafast Science
• Volume: 4
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.34133/ultrafastscience.0054
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Topic: Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 2097-0331