Fractional high-order harmonic combs and energy tuning by attosecond-precision split-spectrum pulse control

Philipp Raith, Christian Ott, Christopher P. Anderson, Andreas Kaldun, Kristina Meyer, Martin Laux, Yizhu Zhang, Thomas Pfeifer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We experimentally control high-order harmonic generation by applying a versatile few-cycle pulse-shape control method: splitting up a single broadband continuous laser spectrum into two sections and applying sub-femtosecond relative time delays. For certain time delays, fractional high-harmonic combs (noninteger harmonics) are generated which we find to result from the controlled interference of two attosecond pulse trains. We also observe time-delay-dependent energy-tunability of the high-order harmonics for an asymmetrically split spectrum consisting of a strong and a weak component. The tuning mechanism is quantitatively understood by the controlled modulation of the instantaneous driver frequency at the peak of the shaped laser pulse.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number121104
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume100
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 19 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)

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