Regulation of Continuum Harmonic Generation by Using Near-infrared Chirped Pulses

Abstract

It has been known that the broadband of continuum harmonics, a regular periodicity or a wide smooth range, is essential for generating attosecond pulses. However, the high-order rescatterings of electrons (HOR) can significantly affect this important part of high-order harmonic spectra. In the present work, we apply the method suggested in our previous studies to limit the HOR effect on the continuum harmonics by using up-chirped pulses with frequency increasing in time to regulate the high-order harmonic generation of an asymmetric molecule such as CO subjected to a near-infrared laser. To do so, we numerically calculate the high-order harmonic spectra using the time-dependent wave functions obtained within the framework of the single-active electron approximation. To analyze and regulate the HOR effect, we use the time-frequency analysis together with the kinetic energy maps obtained from the equation of electron motion in the laser electric field. These techniques reveal the high-order harmonic dynamics, especially the effect of chirped pulse on the manifestation of continuum harmonics. Based on this, we release the notice on choosing appropriate parameters to obtain the optimal continuum range of harmonics. Although the detailed analysis is given for the CO molecule, the method suggested is applicable for other polar molecules.