Role of the ionic potential in high harmonic generation

D. Shafir*, B. Fabre, J. Higuet, H. Soifer, M. Dagan, D. Descamps, E. Mével, S. Petit, H. J. Wörner, B. Pons, N. Dudovich, Y. Mairesse

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recollision processes provide direct insight into the structure and dynamics of electronic wave functions. However, the strength of the process sets its basic limitations-the interaction couples numerous degrees of freedom. In this Letter we decouple the basic steps of the process and resolve the role of the ionic potential which is at the heart of a broad range of strong field phenomena. Specifically, we measure high harmonic generation from argon atoms. By manipulating the polarization of the laser field we resolve the vectorial properties of the interaction. Our study shows that the ionic core plays a significant role in all steps of the interaction. In particular, Coulomb focusing induces an angular deflection of the electrons before recombination. A complete spatiospectral analysis reveals the influence of the potential on the spatiotemporal properties of the emitted light.

Original languageEnglish
Article number203001
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume108
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - 16 May 2012
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung128274
Seventh Framework Programme228334

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