Terahertz generation by relativistic ponderomotive focusing of two co-axial Gaussian laser beams propagating in ripple density plasma

摘要

Terahertz (THz) generation by beating of two co-axial Gaussian laser beams, propagating in ripple density plasma, has been studied when both ponderomotive and relativistic nonlinearities are operative. When the two lasers co-propagate in rippled density plasma, electrons acquire a nonlinear velocity at beat frequency in the direction transverse to the direction of propagation. This nonlinear oscillatory velocity couples with the density ripple to generate a nonlinear current, which in turn generates THz radiation at the difference frequency. The necessary phase matching condition is provided by the density ripple. Relativistic ponderomotive focusing of the two lasers and its effects on yield of the generated THz amplitude have been discussed. Numerical results show that conversion efficiency of the order of 10(-3) can be achieved in the terahertz radiation generation with relativistic ponderomotive focusing. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.