High harmonic generation in a static magnetic field

Experimentally achievable laser-field intensities of the order of ${10}^{16}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^2$ and higher may accelerate free and bound electrons to velocities of the order of the velocity of light. In this regime magnetic-field forces become comparable to electric-field forces. We propose and investigate the application of a strong static magnetic field in the propagation direction of the laser beam as an additional means to tailor the harmonic spectrum in this direction. Even harmonic generation is shown to be a signature of this additional interaction. © 1996 The American Physical Society.