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Title: Spatiotemporal control of two-color terahertz generation

Journal Article · · Physical Review Research

A laser pulse composed of a fundamental and properly phased second harmonic exhibits an asymmetric electric field that can drive a time-dependent current of photoionized electrons. The current produces an ultrashort burst of terahertz (THz) radiation. When driven by a conventional laser pulse, the THz radiation is emitted into a cone with an angle determined by the dispersion of the medium. Here we demonstrate that the programmable-velocity intensity peak of a spatiotemporally structured, two-color laser pulse can be used to control the emission angle, focal spot, and spectrum of the THz radiation. Of particular interest for applications, a structured pulse with a subluminal intensity peak can drive highly focusable, on-axis THz radiation.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES); USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0003856; SC00215057; SC0021057
OSTI ID:
2281052
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 2282304; OSTI ID: 2375870
Journal Information:
Physical Review Research, Vol. 6, Issue 1; ISSN 2643-1564
Publisher:
American Physical Society (APS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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