Optimal control theory of harmonic generation

Abstract: Coherent control of harmonic generation was studied theoretically. A specific harmonic order was targeted. An optimal control theory was employed to find the driving field where restrictions were imposed on the frequency band. Additional restrictions were added to suppress undesired outcomes such as ionization and dissociation. The method was formulated in the frequency domain. An update procedure for the field based on relaxation was employed. The method was tested on several examples demonstrating generation of high frequencies from a driving field with a restricted frequency band.