Quasi-phase-matched high-harmonic generation in metal-nanoparticle composites
Max Born Institute, Germany
We numerically study quasi-phase-matched high harmonic generation in a composite which consists of ellipsoidal silver nanoparticles in argon. A periodic modulation of the nanoparticle concentration provides quasi-phase-matching, which mitigates the negative effect of significant phase-mismatch. The generation of high harmonics is simulated using a propagation equation which includes field enhancement, phase mismatch, absorption of pump beam and harmonics, and other relevant effects. Generation of harmonics with efficiency above $10^{-7}$ is predicted.