Towards complete all-optical emission control of high-harmonic generation from solids

Abstract

Optical modulation of high-harmonics generation in solids enables the detection of material properties such as the band structure and promising new applications such as super-resolution imaging in semiconductors. Various recent studies have shown optical modulation of high-harmonics generation in solids, in particular, suppression of high-harmonics generation has been observed by synchronized or delayed multi-pulse sequences. Here we provide an overview of the underlying mechanisms attributed to this suppression and provide a perspective on the challenges and opportunities regarding these mechanisms. All-optical control of high-harmonic generation allows for femtosecond, and in the future possibly subfemtosecond, switching, which has numerous possible applications: These range from super-resolution microscopy, to nanoscale controlled chemistry, and highly tunable nonlinear light sources.