Modeling harmonic generation by a degenerate two-level atom

An analytical theory of the generation of high-order harmonics of laser radiation has been developed on the basis of a two-level model atom with degenerate levels. Among other parameters, onset, width, and cutoff of the plateau in the harmonic spectrum are obtained in simple analytical forms that connect the basic problem parameters and permit a transparent interpretation of the mechanism underlying the spectrum formation far this specific case. Selected numerical calculations are reported to corroborate the analytical findings and to investigate other harmonic-spectrum features. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America