Intense and Broadband THz Source Using Laser-Induced Gas Plasma

A compact, broadband terahertz source using optical parametric processes in laser-induced gas plasma is capable to produce >10 mW average terahertz power with a spectral range from 0.1 THz to over 10 THz. This technique has already demonstrated strong field strength (>100 kV/cm), and generated THz waves at 10m distance with a field strength comparable to local generation, suggesting that remote THz sensing (>30m) is possible without problems from signal attenuation due to atmospheric turbulence or water vapor. Using an optical phase compensator, a gas cell, and an amplified femtosecond laser, we will advance the current average power from tens of μW to mW level with a bandwidth over 10 THz. The resulting compact source will be coupled with our THz-ABCD heterodyne detector for applications in defense & security, pharmaceutical and industrial inspection. BENEFIT: Stand-off detection of explosives and related compounds, Pharmaceutical diagnostics for drug development and process control, Advanced Research and Development of THz Nonlinear Spectroscopy at National Labs and Universities.