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High-harmonic generation in gases and solids

A. Thorpe1,*, N. Boroumand1, G. Bart1, L. Wang1, G. Vampa1,2, and T. Brabec1

  • *Contact author: athor087@uottawa.ca

Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043284 – Published 10 December, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/8lhh-gq58

Abstract

We present a quantum optical generalization of the quantum-matter Lewenstein model of high-harmonic generation (HHG) in gases that contains two channels corresponding to the inter and intraband HHG in solids. Both channels can be presented as a semiclassical current multiplied by the vacuum field strength, resulting in a quantitative correction and a faster roll-off of the harmonic power with order than in previous theories. In gases, like in solids, intraband HHG dominates at low orders; the switchover harmonic corresponds to a specific photon energy, independent of pump wavelength.

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