High-order harmonic generation with controllable temporal coherence generated from a coherently excited medium

High harmonic generation has been considered for many years to be a coherent source of upconverted laser radiation. We propose a method for the generation of essentially incoherent high harmonic generation with a controlled degree of temporal coherence, obeying random-walk statistics. This is achieved by a unique combination of single-atom and macroscopic effects involving preparation of the medium in an excited state with coordinate-dependent population inversion and using an intense off-resonant and phase-mismatched pumping.