The second plateau in the distribution of high harmonics generated in plasma torches
Abstract
The second plateau in the intensity distribution of high harmonics generated in cadmium, chromium, manganese, and vanadium plasmas is observed. The characteristic plateau-like distribution of harmonic intensities, which was observed at comparatively low excitations of surface plasma, changes at higher energies of a prepulse that generates the plasma torch. The appearance of the second plateau is associated with harmonic generation due to the interaction with doubly charged plasma ions. The intensity of harmonics of the second plateau is either somewhat lower or comparable with the intensity of harmonics of the first order. The observed modification of the generated radiation spectrum caused by changes in the laser plasma characteristics allowed us to increase the maximum order of generated harmonics such that they fall into the far ultraviolet region. In particular, harmonics up to the 73rd (Cd), 75th (V), 83rd (Cr), and 95th (λ = 8.3 nm, Mn) orders are obtained.