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Updated: May 18, 2026
10:54
Design, Fabrication, and Experimental Characterization of Plasmonic Photoconductive Terahertz Emitters
Published on: July 8, 2013
Two-dimensional plasma current and optimized terahertz generation in two-color photoionization
1Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
Optics Express
|October 6, 2012
Summary
Researchers explored two-dimensional (2-D) photocurrents to precisely control terahertz (THz) energy and polarization generated in laser-produced air filaments. This study demonstrates full control over THz output using a novel 2-D photocurrent model.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optics
- Laser Science
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) radiation generation in laser-produced air filaments is a key area of research.
- Controlling THz output properties like energy and polarization remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate two-dimensional (2-D) transverse photocurrent generation.
- To apply 2-D photocurrents for controlling and optimizing THz energy and polarization.
- To develop a theoretical model explaining the observed control.
Main Methods:
- Studying 2-D transverse photocurrent generation in two-color, laser-produced air filaments.
- Experimental application of 2-D photocurrents to manipulate THz output.
- Development and application of a 2-D photocurrent model.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated precise control over terahertz energy and polarization.
- Successfully optimized THz output through 2-D photocurrent manipulation.
- Validated the 2-D photocurrent model in explaining the control mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Two-dimensional transverse photocurrents offer a powerful mechanism for controlling terahertz radiation.
- The developed 2-D photocurrent model accurately describes the observed terahertz output optimization.
- This work paves the way for advanced applications of tunable terahertz sources.
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