Wannier quasi-classical approach to high harmonic generation in semiconductors

Abstract

We develop a quasi-classical theory of high harmonic generation in semiconductors based on an interband current that has been transformed from Bloch to Wannier basis. The Wannier quasiclassical approach reveals a complete picture of the mechanisms shaping high harmonic generation, such that quantitative agreement with full quantum calculations is obtained. The intuitive picture revealed by quasi-classical wavepacket propagation will be helpful in the interpretation and design of high harmonic and attosecond experiments. Beyond that, the capacity to quantitatively model quantum dynamics with classical trajectories should prove useful for a wider spectrum of condensed matter research, including coherent control, transport theory, and strong field physics.

High-Harmonic Generation from Monolayer and Bilayer Graphene

“…Moreover, H5 of To understand the polarization dependence of the harmonic yield in monolayer graphene, we use a semiclassical explanation as proposed in Refs. 48,49 , by assuming the interband transitions can be translated to a semi-classical real-space model 1,50 . Such a one-to-one correspondence between interband transitions and inter-atom hopping in graphene was shown by Stroucken et al 47 .…”