Spectral control of high order harmonics through non-linear propagation effects

TL;DR

This paper investigates how non-linear propagation effects inside crystals influence high harmonic generation, demonstrating that manipulating the driving laser field can precisely control the harmonic spectrum for advanced spectroscopic uses.

Contribution

It reveals the impact of macroscopic non-linear propagation effects on HHG in crystals and proposes a method to control the harmonic spectrum by adjusting the driving field.

Findings

Spectral blueshift observed in harmonic generation due to propagation effects

Comparison between silicon and zinc oxide reveals material-dependent spectral shifts

Numerical simulations support the interpretation of spectral modulation during propagation

Abstract

High harmonic generation (HHG) in crystals has revealed a wealth of perspectives such as all-optical mapping of the electronic band structure, ultrafast quantum information and the creation of novel all-solid-state attosecond sources. Significant efforts have been made to understand the microscopic aspects of HHG in crystals, whereas the macroscopic effects, such as non-linear propagation effects of the driving pulse inside the dense solid media and its impact on the HHG process is often overlooked. In this work, we study macroscopic effects by comparing two materials with distinct optical properties, silicon (Si) and zinc oxide (ZnO). By scanning the focal position of 85 fs, 2.123 $\mu$m wavelength pulses inside the crystals (Z-scan) we reveal spectral shifts in the generated harmonics. We interpret the overall blueshift of the emitted harmonic spectrum as an imprint of the driving field spectral modulation occurring during the propagation inside the crystal. This is supported with numerical simulations. This study demonstrates that through manipulation of the fundamental driving field through non-linear propagation effects, precise control of the emitted HHG spectrum in solids can be realised. This method could offer a robust way to tailor HHG spectra for a range of spectroscopic applications.