Quasi-phase matching of third harmonic generation in corrugated discharge capillary

Quasi-phase matching third harmonic of Ti:sapphire laser was measured by propagation through corrugated discharge capillaries. The 1 cm long capillary with periodical varying inner radius was used with corrugation frequency of 200 μm. The longitudinal plasma density was periodically varied by a discharge current ablating the inner capillary walls, altering the refractive index accordingly. Average plasma density measured was 1018 cm−3 at minimum corrugation radius. Peak laser intensity was 1010 W/cm2 allowing enough pondermotive energy to the electron for high harmonic generation.