Pulse-duration dependence of high-order harmonic generation with coherent superposition state

We make a systematic study of high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in a He+-like model ion when the initial state is prepared as a coherent superposition of the ground state and an excited state. It is found that, according to the degree of the ionization of the excited state, the laser intensity can be divided into three regimes in which HHG spectra exhibit different characteristics. The pulse-duration dependence of the HHG spectra in these regimes is studied. We also demonstrate evident advantages of using coherent superposition state to obtain high conversion efficiency. The conversion efficiency can be increased further if ultrashort laser pulses are employed.