Generation of strong optical field in soft X-ray region by using high-order harmonics

For further development of a variety of applications, one of the most important issues is the improvement of output harmonic energy and conversion efficiency. We review our work on the energy scaling of high-order harmonic generation based on phase-matching using a loosely focused beam. Our harmonic energy scaling method can be universally applied to harmonic generation in the neutral rare gas target. In addition, we demonstrate a new concept for spatial separation between the high-energy pump and harmonic beam to increase the available soft X-ray energy for the applications. This method is very simple and highly useful for not only high-order harmonic generation but also longitudinally pumped X-ray lasers. By combining the high-energy high harmonic source and new spatial separation method, we successfully demonstrate focusing of the soft X-ray beam with a peak intensity of 1/spl times/10/sup 14/ W/cm/sup 2/, which is to our knowledge the highest ever reported in the soft X-ray region.