The interplay between resonant enhancement and quantum path dynamics in harmonic generation in helium

Abstract

We present a theoretical study of the influence of resonant enhancement on quantum path dynamics in the generation of harmonics above and below the ionization threshold in helium. By varying the wavelength and intensity of the driving field from 425 nm to 500 nm and from 30 TW/cm${^2}$ to 140 TW/cm${^2}$, respectively, we identify enhancements of harmonics 7, 9, and 11 that correspond to multiphoton resonances between the ground state and the Stark shifted $1s2p$, $1s3p$, and $1s4p$ excited states. A time-frequency analysis of the emission shows that both the short and long quantum path contributions to the harmonic yield are enhanced through these bound state resonances. We analyze the sub-cycle time structure of the 9th harmonic yield in the vicinity of the resonances and find that on resonance the long trajectory contribution is phase shifted by approximately $\pi/4$. Finally, we compare the single atom and the macroscopic response of a helium gas and find that while the sub-cycle time profiles are slightly distorted by propagation effects, the phase shift of the long trajectory contribution is still recognizable.