We investigate the high-order harmonic generation of atoms and molecules exposed in strong and short-wavelength (shorter than 800 nm) laser fields. Our simulations show that the electronic rescattering trajectory depends strongly on the property of the Coulomb potential. Using numerical schemes, we identify the important role of excited states in the emission times of harmonics from molecules. We propose a model, which considers the initial position when electrons tunnel out from the potential, to explain the electronic response in intense and relatively high-frequency laser fields.

• Received 8 November 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.84.043423