In this paper we examine some effects of quantum interference on high harmonic generation. We demonstrate in particular that preparing the initial state in a coherent superposition of bound states leads to a harmonic spectrum with distinct plateaus with different conversion efficiencies. We show how this scheme may provide a way of controlling the coherent output that is produced in an experiment. © 1996 The American Physical Society.

• Received 1 May 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.54.4320