Optimization of the focused flux of high harmonics

Following the theoretical predictions, the observation of two-photon processes by interaction of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation with inner-shell levels of atoms requires focused intensities in the 10^13-10^14 W/cm^2 range. Our aim is to reach this regime in order to study non-linear optics at th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The European physical journal. D, Atomic, molecular and optical physics (Print) Atomic, molecular and optical physics (Print), 2003-10, Vol.26 (1), p.47-50
Main Authors: KAZAMIAS, S, DOUILLET, D, VALENTIN, C, LEFROU, Th, GRILLON, G, MULLOT, G, AUGE, F, MERCERE, P, ZEITOUN, Ph, BALCOU, Ph
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Exact sciences and technology
Frequency conversion
harmonic generation, including high-order harmonic generation
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
Harmonic generation, frequency conversion
Nonlinear optics
Optics
Physics
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Summary:Following the theoretical predictions, the observation of two-photon processes by interaction of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation with inner-shell levels of atoms requires focused intensities in the 10^13-10^14 W/cm^2 range. Our aim is to reach this regime in order to study non-linear optics at these wavelengths. We first optimized the high harmonic conversion efficiency in argon by studying the best experimental conditions for phase-matching, concentrating on focus geometry related to laser energy, cell length and position relative to the focus. We then studied the resulting harmonic beam focusability by a toroidal mirror ( f=10 cm) and made an image of the harmonic focus. We conclude with an evaluation of the focused intensity that we are able to reach experimentally.
ISSN:1434-6060
1434-6079
DOI:10.1140/epjd/e2003-00083-y