Application of Quasi-Phase Matching Concept for Enhancement of High-Order Harmonics of Ultrashort Laser Pulses in Plasmas

Abstract

Novel methods of coherent short-wavelength sources generation require thorough analysis for their further amendments and practical implementations. In this work, we report on the quasi-phase matching (QPM) of high-order harmonics generation during the propagation of single and two-color femtosecond pulses through multi-jet plasmas, which allows the enhancement of groups of harmonics in different ranges of extreme ultraviolet. The role of the number of coherent zones; sizes of plasma jets and the distance between them; plasma formation conditions, and the characteristics of the fundamental radiation on the harmonic effciency at quasi-phase matching (QPM) conditions are analyzed. We demonstrate the ~40X enhancement factor of the maximally-enhanced harmonic with respect to the one generated at ordinary conditions in the imperforated plasma.