Eur. Phys. J. D (2015) 69: 234
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2015-60357-3

Regular Article

High-order harmonic generation with resonant core excitation by ultraintense X-rays^*

¹ Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
² Theoretische Chemie, Physikalisch-Chemisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 229, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany

^a e-mail: christian.buth@web.de

Received: 17 June 2015
Received in final form: 18 August 2015
Published online: 15 October 2015

Abstract

High-order harmonic generation (HHG) is combined with resonant X-ray excitation of a core electron into the transient valence vacancy that is created in the course of the HHG process. To describe this setting, I develop a two-active-electron quantum theory for a single atom assuming no Coulomb interaction among the electrons; one electron performs a typical HHG three-step process whereas another electron is excited (or even Rabi flops) by intense X-rays from the core shell into the valence hole after the first electron has left the atom. Depending on the amplitude to find a vacancy in the valence and the core, the returning continuum electron recombines with the valence and the core, respectively, emitting high-order harmonic (HH) radiation that is characteristic of the combined process. After presenting the theory of X-ray boosted HHG for continuous-wave light fields, I develop a description for X-ray pulses with a time-varying amplitude and phase. My prediction offers novel prospects for nonlinear X-ray physics, attosecond X-rays, and HHG-based time-dependent chemical imaging involving core orbitals.