Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics
Collective generation of higher optical harmonics by dipole molecules
Viktor A Kovarskii, O. B. Prepelitsa
Abstract
An analysis is made of the collective resonant generation of higher harmonics by a spatially extended system of two-level molecules possessing an intrinsic electron dipole moment in the excited state. Frequency and angular dependences of the scattered radiation are studied. It is shown that for moderately small numbers of harmonics their intensity depends comparatively weakly on the number (plateau) and the intensity of the emitted harmonics then falls sharply as the number increases. The angular distribution of the harmonics is strongly anisotropic. It is also shown that collective effects significantly change the time profile of the generated harmonic pulse. In addition, as a result of cooperative effects harmonics of a certain parity are suppressed in the low-frequency part of the radiation spectrum.