Enhancement of high-order harmonic generation at tuned wavelengths through adaptive control.

An adaptive learning loop enhances the efficiency and tuning of high-order harmonic generation. In comparison with simple chirp tuning, we observe a broader tuning range and a twofold to threefold enhancement in integrated photon flux in the cutoff region. The driving pulse temporal phase varies significantly for different tunings and is more complicated than a simple chirp.

Global optimization of high harmonic generation.

We investigate the relevance of the absorption limit concept in the optimization of high harmonic generation. Thanks to the first direct observation of the coherence length of the process from high-contrast Maker fringes, we unravel experimental conditions for which the harmonic dipole response is enhanced when phase matching is realized within the absorption limit, leading to record conversion efficiencies in argon. Moreover, we show that harmonic generation in guided or freely propagating geometries are equivalent in the loose focusing regime.