Quasi-Phase-Matching High-Harmonic Radiation Using Chirped THz Pulses

High-order harmonic generation in the presence of a chirped THz pulse is investigated numerically with a complete 3D nonadiabatic model. The assisting THz pulse illuminates the high-order harmonic generation gas cell laterally inducing quasi-phase-matching. We demonstrate that it is possible to compensate the phase mismatch during propagation and extend the macroscopic cutoff of a propagated strong IR pulse to the single-dipole cutoff. We obtain 2 orders of magnitude increase in the harmonic efficiency of cutoff harmonics (approximate to 170 eV) using a THz pulse of constant wavelength, and a further factor of 3 enhancement when a chirped THz pulse is used.