Extreme ultraviolet polarization optics for polarimetry of structured high harmonics

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Grantor dc:publisher

Colorado School of Mines. Arthur Lakes Library

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Westlake, Nathaniel Morgan

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Durfee, Charles G.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Adams, Daniel E.
• Squier, Jeff A.

• extreme ultraviolet
• high harmonics
• optics
• polarimetry
• polarization

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright of the original work is retained by the author.

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

Identifier

T 9647

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.mines.edu:11124/178647