High harmonic generation in graphene/boron nitride lateral heterostructures

Solid-state high harmonic generation (HHG), as a novel approach for generating miniaturized attosecond light sources, have consistently been the research focus to enhance the conversion efficiency of high-order harmonics. In this regard, the scheme of artificially designing the materials with peculiar band structure to optimize HHG in solids was studied by using time-dependent density functional theory. The characteristics of high-order harmonics generated by zigzag-type graphene/h-BN two-dimensional heterostructures in ultrafast strong laser fields are primarily discussed. We find that the interface inside the lateral heterostructures leads to the enhanced carrier density, which effectively increase the harmonic intensity. This work thus provides a novel strategy to optimize the HHG in solids.