Loading...
Extreme ultraviolet polarization optics for polarimetry of structured high harmonics
Westlake, Nathaniel Morgan
Westlake, Nathaniel Morgan
Citations
Altmetric:
Advisor
Editor
Date
Date Issued
2023
Date Submitted
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Embargo Expires
Abstract
High Harmonic Generation (HHG) is a leading way to generate table-top coherent extreme ultraviolet
(EUV) and attosecond pulses. Polarization characterization in this spectral range is important to
understand the phenomena of HHG and quantify the light used for experiments. Furthermore, polarization
control allows for polarization-dependent experiments in the EUV. This thesis proposes and demonstrates
the usage of reflection-based polarization optics to act as a polarizer and a quarter wave retarder for 44
nm light, the 9th harmonic of 400nm. The design process for these polarization optics, so-called k-mirrors,
in the EUV wavelength range is explained with possible design extensions for other wavelengths.
These polarization optics in EUV are extended with full-beam polarimetry of harmonic light generated
with structured illumination. Characterization of the fundamental light’s structured illumination and
polarization profile combined with similar characterization of the harmonics can reveal insights into the
HHG process. This thesis outlines steps to adapt Stokes polarimetry to perform measurements on EUV,
allowing the characterization of novel generation schemes.
Associated Publications
Rights
Copyright of the original work is retained by the author.