Second-harmonic emission from laser-plasma interactions

Abstract
We have systematically investigated the second-harmonic (2ω) emission spectrum from 1.06-μm laser-plasma interactions. Experimental data on the dependence of 2ω spectrum, especially its broadness and complexity, on laser irradiation intensity, incidence angle, and prepulse are presented. A theoretical model using linear mode conversion and parametric decay instability processes can qualitatively explain the experimental results.