Semi-integer harmonic generation from an argon atom by bichromatic counter-rotating circularly polarized laser field*

Abstract

We theoretically investigated the properties of the high-order harmonic generation from an argon atom by bichromatic counter-rotating circularly polarized (BCCP) laser field. The harmonic emission processes have been illustrated by numerically solving the two-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation of an atom in intense laser fields. It is found that with the decrease of the right-circularly polarized laser wavelength, the harmonic spectra are gradually splitting and the harmonic orders move towards the higher frequency. Meanwhile, the integer and semi-integer harmonic emission will be generated when the frequency ratios of right- and left-circularly polarized lasers are semi-integer. The emission mechanism of the semi-integer-order harmonics has been investigated by using the rules of photon absorption and emission.