High-order harmonic generation driven by metal nanotip photoemission: theory and simulations

TL;DR

This paper theoretically predicts high-order harmonic generation from metal nanotips driven by femtosecond lasers, suggesting a new method for generating coherent XUV light via recollision mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum mechanical model for HHG from metal nanotips, highlighting their potential for coherent XUV light generation, which has not been experimentally demonstrated yet.

Findings

Recollision mechanism enables high-energy photon emission.

Metal nanotips can generate high-order harmonics with femtosecond lasers.

Potential for coherent XUV light generation.

Abstract

We present theoretical predictions of high-order harmonic generation (HHG) resulting from the interaction of short femtosecond laser pulses with metal nanotips. It has been demonstrated that high energy electrons can be generated using nanotips as sources; furthermore the recollision mechanism has been proven to be the physical mechanism behind this photoemission. If recollision exists, it should be possible to convert the laser-gained energy by the electron in the continuum in a high energy photon. Consequently the emission of harmonic radiation appears to be viable, although it has not been experimentally demonstrated hitherto. We employ a quantum mechanical time dependent approach to model the electron dipole moment including both the laser experimental conditions and the bulk matter properties. The use of metal tips shall pave a new way of generating coherent XUV light with a femtosecond laser field.