Optimised XUV holography using spatially shaped high harmonic beams

Abstract

We present a novel method for controlling the transverse positions and relative powers of multiple high-order harmonic beams. A phase-only spatial light modulator is used to produce multiple infrared foci, the positions and intensities of which can be controlled programmably, enabling the generation and control of multiple HHG beams. To demonstrate the utility of this method we perform Fourier transform holography with separate illumination of the object and reference pinhole by a pair of HHG beams, which makes optimal use of the available photon flux. The programmable control of the spatial distribution of HHG beams demonstrated here offers new opportunities for experiments at extreme ultraviolet (XUV) wavelengths, particularly for photon intensive applications such as imaging.

Increasing the brightness of harmonic XUV radiation with spatially-tailored driver beams

“…However, the poor conversion efficiency of HHG from the infrared (IR) into the XUV typically restricts harmonic sources to average powers of a few microwatts or lower [2]. This limits their use in applications ranging from the production of isolated attosecond pulses [3] to lensless imaging [4,5].…”

Adaptive shaping of laser beams for high-harmonic generation applications

“…SLMs are therefore more susceptible to damage by mechanisms such as the heating of the LC layer and laser ablation of the LC confining substrates [117]. Despite their lower damage threshold SLMs have been used on HHG beam lines for applications such as pulse shaping and holography [136,137].…”