University of Colorado

Colorado State University Research Foundation

Michael E Grisham

Henry C Kapteyn

Jorge J Rocca

David M Gaudiosi

Tenio V Popmintchev

Brendan A Reagan

Margaret M Mumane

A pre-ionized medium created by a capillary discharge results in more efficient use of laser energy in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) from ions. It extends the cutoff photon energy, and reduces the distortion of the laser pulse as it propagates down the waveguide. The observed enhancements result from a combination of reduced ionization energy loss and reduced ionization-induced defocusing of the driving laser as well as waveguiding of the driving laser pulse. The discharge plasma also provides a means to spectrally tune the harmonics by tailoring the initial level of ionization of the medium.

High-order harmonic generation in a capillary discharge

Growing community of inventors

Fort Collins, CO, United States of America

Michael E Grisham