A spectrally bright wavelength-switchable vacuum ultraviolet source driven by quantum coherence in strong-field-ionized molecules

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel VUV and DUV light source based on quantum coherence in ionized molecules, enabling wavelength switching, polarization control, and broadband spectral features for advanced photonics applications.

Contribution

It demonstrates a new method for generating tunable, coherent VUV and DUV radiation using quantum coherence in strong-field-ionized molecules, with controllable polarization and broadband output.

Findings

Wavelength switching between multiple UV and VUV lines achieved

Polarization states can be manipulated via pump laser polarization

Broadband Raman comb observed in the DUV/VUV region

Abstract

We report generation of spectrally bright vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and deep UV (DUV) coherent radiations driven by quantum coherence in tunnel-ionized carbon monoxide (CO) molecules. Our technique allows us to switch between multiple wavelengths provided by the abundant energy levels of molecular ions. The DUV/VUV sources can have arbitrary polarization states by manipulating the pump laser polarization. The superior temporal and spectral properties of the developed source give rise to a broadband Raman comb in the DUV/VUV region.