Influence of intraband motion on the interband excitation and high harmonic generation*

Abstract

Abstract Tunnelling, acceleration, and collision of electrons are the basic events in the process of high harmonic generation (HHG) in strong-field interaction with atoms. However, the periodic array of atoms in semiconductor structure makes three steps become interatomic coherent process which leads to complicated carrier dynamics and two sources of high harmonic emission: interband polarization and intraband current. The difference of features of high harmonic generation between semiconductors and atoms is strongly linked to the unique presence of intraband motion which manifests itself a nontrivial role in intertwined two dynamics. Here, we review recent experimental and theoretical advances of understanding coupled interband and intraband mechanisms of HHG in semiconductors. Particularly we focus on the influence of intraband motion on the interband excitation, and on the subsequent HHG emission and attosecond pulse generation.