Optimization of high-harmonic generation

The dependence of the high-harmonic conversion efficiency in noble gases on experimental parameters is analyzed. The results presented here supply a g uideline for the optimization of HHG. The most striking finding of our anal ysis is the dependence of the harmonic yield on the laser pulse duration. I t is generally accepted that the harmonic yield increases for shorter pulse durations. Calculations in neon show that this is only true for harmonics close to the cutoff. Away from the cutoff however, the harmonic yield incre ases approximately linearly with the pulse duration.