Intermodal entanglement in a quantum optical model of HHG due to the back-action on the driving field

TL;DR

This paper theoretically demonstrates that intermodal entanglement in high-harmonic generation (HHG) arises from back-action effects, suggesting a universal quantum property of HHG that can be modeled broadly.

Contribution

It introduces a simplified quantum optical model of HHG that accounts for back-action, revealing entanglement as a general feature rather than material-specific.

Findings

Entanglement results from back-action effects in HHG.

Model qualitatively reproduces experimental nonclassical correlations.

Intermodal entanglement is likely a universal phenomenon in HHG.

Abstract

Preparation of nonclassical light with special quantum properties is essential for quantum technologies. High-harmonic generation (HHG) is a process which not only enables the creation of attosecond pulses but also has the potential to generate light with intricate quantum properties. In a recent experiment [1], nonclassical inter-harmonic correlations have been measured from a HHG source. In this work, we theoretically investigate entanglement between different harmonics within an effective quantum optical model. This model implements a signifcant degree of simplifcation regarding the processes within the target material, treating the material through susceptibilities, as it is usual in quantum optics. Such an approach yields a general description of HHG, permitting the implications that can be derived within it to hold broadly. We find that entanglement is produced as a result of the often neglected back-action. We can qualitatively reproduce experimentally measured nonclassicalities, which suggests that intermodal entanglement can, to an extent, be considered a universal phenomenon associated with HHG, rather than a result of using specific material targets.