Generation of elliptically polarized high-order harmonic radiation with bi-elliptical two-color laser beams

High-harmonic generation (HHG) from an atomic gas target provides a valuable tool to generate high-energy radiation on the tabletop. The polarization properties of this radiation can be manipulated if the HHG process is driven by a bi-elliptical orthogonal two-color laser beam (BEOTC beam). Here we theoretically consider this setup within the so-called strong-field approximation and a quantum-orbit approach. We demonstrate that this approach allows the complete description of the geometry of the outgoing elliptically polarized harmonic radiation. In particular, we identify and classify the relevant quantum orbits that contribute to the process and analyze the harmonic spectrum, ellipticities, and offset angles in detail for omega-2 omega BEOTC beams with a fundamental wavelength of lambda = 800 nm. For these specific beam parameters, we find that the ellipticity as well as the offset angle of the polarization ellipse with respect to the BEOTC driving beam changes rapidly for consecutive harmonic orders. We show that this oscillatory behavior of the harmonic ellipticity can be explained via the superposition of the dipole radiation emitted from the target atom during different time intervals within one optical cycle of the BEOTC beam. This understanding of the HHG process driven by BEOTC beams will facilitate the generation of highly energetic radiation with complex polarization properties on the tabletop.

Automated summary

High-harmonic generation from an atomic gas target driven by a bi-elliptical orthogonal two-color laser beam can manipulate the polarization properties of the radiation. Theoretical analysis within the strong-field approximation and a quantum-orbit approach allows for a complete description of the geometry of the elliptically polarized harmonic radiation. The understanding of this process will aid in generating highly energetic radiation with complex polarization properties on the tabletop.