High-intensity terahertz generation by nonlinear frequency-mixing of lasers in plasma with DC magnetic field

Abstract

AbstractWe propose a mechanism of highly focused, tunable and high-intensity terahertz (THz) radiation generation by frequency-mixing of two super-Gaussian lasers with frequencies ω1, ω2 and wave numbers k1, k2 (laser profile index p > 2) in a corrugated plasma in the presence of external static magnetic field ${B_0}\hat z$. In this process, a strong nonlinear ponderomotive force is offered to the plasma electrons at frequency ω′ = ω1 − ω2 and wave number k′ = k1 − k2 by laser beams. The ponderomotive force results in a strong, controllable nonlinear transverse oscillatory current, which can be optimized by optimizing the external magnetic field, ripple parameters, and laser indexes. This controllable current produces focused and intense THz radiation of tunable frequency and power along with a remarkable efficiency ~25%.