Generation of structured coherent extreme ultraviolet beams from an MgO crystal

Short wavelength high-harmonic sources are undergoing intense development for applications in spectroscopy and microscopy. Despite recent progress in peak and average power, spatial control over coherent extreme ultraviolet (XUV) beams remains a formidable challenge due to the lack of suitable optical elements for beam shaping and control. Here we demonstrate a robust and precise approach that structures XUV high-order harmonics in space as they are emitted from a nanostructured MgO crystal. Our demonstration paves the way for bridging the numerous applications of shaped light beams from the visible to the short wavelengths, with potential uses for applications in microscopy and nanoscale machining. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

Short wavelength high-harmonic sources are undergoing intense development for applications in spectroscopy and microscopy. Spatial control over coherent extreme ultraviolet (XUV) beams remains a challenge, but a new approach using nanostructured MgO crystal shows potential for applications in shaped light beams. This demonstration paves the way for bridging applications of shaped light beams from visible to short wavelengths, with uses in microscopy and nanoscale machining.