Role of long quantum orbits in high-order harmonic generation

Single-atom high-order harmonic generation is considered in the strong-field approximation, as formulated in the Lewenstein model, and analyzed in terms of quantum orbits. Orbits are classified according to the solutions of the saddle-point equations. The results of a numerical integration are compared with the saddle-point approximation and the uniform approximation. Approximate analytical solutions for long orbits are presented. The formalism developed is used to analyze the enhancement of high-order harmonic generation near channel closings. The enhancements exactly at the channel closings are extremely narrow and built up by the constructive interference of a very large number of quantum orbits. Additional broader enhancements occur slightly below channel closings. They are generated by the interplay of a medium number of orbits.