Controlling high harmonic generation with molecular wave packets

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DOIResolve DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.123902
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  1. National Research Council Canada
FormatText
TypeArticle
Journal titlePhysical Review Letters
ISSN0031-9007
Volume94
Issue12
Article number123902
SubjectExtreme UV (XUV); Highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO); Laser polarization; Molecular wave packets; Cameras; Charge coupled devices; Continuum mechanics; Ionization; Laser pulses; Light polarization; Light propagation; Modulation; Packet networks; Probability; Pulse generators; Spectrometers; Harmonic generation
Abstract
We show that, by controlling the alignment of molecules, we can influence the high harmonic generation process. We observed strong intensity modulation and spectral shaping of high harmonics produced with a rotational wave packet in a low-density gas of N₂ or O₂. In N₂, where the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) has σg symmetry, the maximum signal occurs when the molecules are aligned along the laser polarization while the minimum occurs when it is perpendicular. In O₂, where the HOMO has πg symmetry, the harmonics are enhanced when the molecules are aligned around 45° to the laser polarization. The symmetry of the molecular orbital can be read by harmonics. Molecular wave packets offer a means of shaping attosecond pulses.
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LanguageEnglish
Peer reviewedYes
NPARC number21276164
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