High-order harmonic generation in rare gases with a 1-ps 1053-nm laser

We present experimental results of harmonic generation using a 1-ps ${10}^{15\mathrm{-}}$W/${\mathrm{cm}}^2$ Nd-glass laser. We see up to the 29th harmonic in Xe, 57th in Ar, and at least up to the 135th harmonic in Ne (160 eV), being then limited by our monochromator’s resolution. The conversion efficiencies in Xe, Ar, Ne, and He are compared and different ways of optimizing the number of photons by defocusing the laser beam or increasing the density are discussed.