The use of adaptive optics (AO) for IR wavefront control is essential to optimize the phase-matching conditions and therefore enhance the signal of the HHG. Furthermore, the vortex IR driver results in up-converted EUV with a wide range of orbital angular momentum orders, as reported by Laboratoire de Physique des Gaz et des Plasmas .
Wavefront sensing is critical in AO since its performance drives the correction efficiency or the correct application of a desired wavefront to the IR driver. Moreover, sensing EUV wavefront correctly gives insight into the plasma process as well as facilitates the alignment of the focal spot on the target. AO improves the performance of optical systems by reducing the effect of wavefront distortions with the goal of delivering the desired focal beam profile to the gas or solid media for the HHG process.
Hartmann wavefront sensing in the EUV range was first introduced by Imagine Optic more than 10 years ago, providing real-time, single-shot, achromatic EUV wavefront characterization with a an accuracy typically better than lambda/50. Imagine Optic provides all the AO components necessary to boost your HHG setup, on both sides of the plasma, including wavefront sensors in the IR and EUV range, deformable mirrors and AO software.
Examples of how our AO products have been used in HHG experiments are available in the new application note and the publication list.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our X-EUV line of Wavefront Sensors and Adaptive Optics hardware and software, you can reach us at sales@imagine-optic.com or through the contact form (red enveloppe on the side).