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Spin-Orbit Effects in Atomic High-Harmonic Generation

Spin-orbit interactions lead to small energy gaps between the outer-most $p_{1/2}$ and $p_{3/2}$ shells of noble gas atoms. Strong-field pulses tunnel-ionize an electron out of either shell resulting in spin-orbit-driven hole motion. These hole dynamics affect the HHG yield. However, the spectral shape as well as the angular distribution of the HHG emission is not influenced by spin-orbit coupling. We demonstrate the spin-orbit effect on atomic krypton by solving the multi-electron Schrödinger equation with the time-dependent configuration-interaction singles (TDCIS) approach. We also provide pulse parameters where this effect can be identified in experiments through an enhancement in the HHG yield as the wavelength of the strong-field pulse increases.