Intense high-order harmonic vector beams from relativistic plasma mirrors

Abstract

Vector beams, with a spatial nonuniform polarization distribution, are important for many applications due to their unique field characteristics and novel effects when interacting with matter. Here, through three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, we demonstrate that intense vector beams in the extreme-ultraviolet to x-ray spectral region can be generated by means of high harmonic generation (HHG) in the relativistic regime. The vector features of the fundamental laser beam can be transferred to the higher frequency emission coherently during the extreme nonlinear HHG dynamics from relativistic plasma mirrors. The vector harmonic beams can be synthesized into attosecond vector beams. It is also possible to generate vector harmonic beams carrying orbital angular momentum. Such bright vortices and vector light sources present new opportunities in various applications such as imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution, ultrafast magnetic spectroscopy, and particle manipulation.