Relativistically Oscillating Mirrors for the Generation of Intense Attosecond Pulses

Program Description

High harmonic generation from relativistic plasma surfaces is discussed which marks one of the most promising ways for generating attosecond pulses of unprecedented intensity. The recent experimental progress will be presented with a special emphasis on the optimization of the harmonic yield by using defined plasma density gradients. The observed effects are supported by particle-in-cell simulations and can be explained by a simple model of a relativistically oscillating mirror. As an outlook, experiments utilizing x-ray femtosecond pulses are proposed.