Abstract

It is now possible to describe the response of single electron systems to laser fields around one atomic unit. In such intense fields an atom or ion may generate a comb of harmonics that extends far into the XUV. Many experimental and theoretical groups are now studying this process and assessing the relative merits of different species and laser wavelengths for the efficient production of harmonics. This is a very complex matter indeed involving microscopic—single electron multiphoton response as well as macroscopic propagation of intense light in an ionising medium—issues.

© 1994 IEEE