Subcycle light synthesis via space-time plasma mirrors
Phys. Rev. A 113, 063507 – Published 2 June, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/jgcr-rvpz
Abstract
Deterministic generation of tailored subcycle optical waveforms—from unipolar to multipeak structures—remains a challenge in ultrafast science. We propose an approach based on space-time field transformation via structured plasma mirrors. It is shown that tailored plasma density profiles can produce customizable subcycle optical waveforms—from rectangular to multipeak profiles—via direct spatial-to-temporal mapping. The underlying single-atom dynamics are validated by three-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation simulations. A scaling relation is established, linking the spatial period of the density modulation to the temporal separation between waveform features. This relation may be viewed as a temporal analog of Bragg diffraction. The methodology provides a route to optical field control in attosecond science and petahertz electronics, where spatial material structure directly influences temporal light structure. The extension of this approach to solid-state platforms, including composition-modulated superlattices, is briefly discussed.