Third-Order Harmonic Generation in Atmospheric Air withFocused Intense Femtosecond Laser Pulses

Generation of third-order harmonics at 800 nm of femtosecond laser pulses is studied in neutral atmospheric air and in plasma of optical breakdown in air. Its efficiency is measured at different fundamental laser intensities. A maximum efficiency is observed at the intensity when optical breakdown in atmospheric air starts. The factors that exhibit the main effects on the harmonic generation, including self-focusing in a neutral air and self-focusing in plasma, are discussed.