Spatial filtering and optimal generation of high-flux soft x-ray high harmonics using a Bessel–Gauss beam

In recent years, significant advancements in high-repetition-rate, high-average-power mid-infrared laser pulses have enabled the generation of tabletop high-flux coherent soft x-ray harmonics for photon-hungry experiments. However, for practical applications, it is crucial to effectively filter out the driving beam from the high harmonics. In this study, we leverage the distinctive properties of a Bessel–Gauss (BG) beam to introduce a novel approach for spatial filtering, specifically targeting soft x-ray harmonics, releasing with a high-photon flux simultaneously. Our simulations reveal that by finely adjusting the focus geometry and gas pressure, the BG beam naturally adopts an annular shape, emitting high harmonics with minimal divergence in the far field. To achieve complete spatial separation of the driving beam and harmonic emissions, we pinpoint the optimal gas pressure and focusing geometry, particularly under overdriven laser intensities, for achieving good phase matching of harmonic emissions from short-trajectory electrons within the gas medium when the exact ionization level is higher than the “critical” value. Additionally, we establish scaling relations for sustaining optimal phase-matching conditions crucial for spatially separating the driving laser and the high-harmonic field, especially as the wavelength of the driving laser increases. Furthermore, our analysis demonstrates a substantial enhancement of harmonic yields by at least one order of magnitude compared to a truncated Gaussian annular beam. We also show that under accessible experimental conditions, soft x-ray photon flux up to 1010 photons/s at 250 eV can be achieved. The utilization of the BG beam opens up a promising pathway for the development of high-flux attosecond soft x-ray light sources, poised to serve a wide range of applications.