An Efficient High-energy Pulsed NH3 Terahertz Laser

Abstract

Experimental studies on an efficient high-energy pulsed NH3 terahertz (THz) laser pumped by a TEA CO2 laser are presented. Pulsed THz radiation of 204 mJ with a wavelength of 151.5 μm was generated from an ammonia laser pumped by a 32 J TEA CO2 laser tuned to the 10P(32) transition, and the photon conversion efficiency of 18% was achieved, in which the pulsed energy was measured by pyroelectric detectors. Meanwhile, the THz transmittance was measured and compared for 5 kinds of materials. Finally, regarding the THz transmittance of these materials, a phenomenon for ammonia radiations with 91 μm and 152 μm pumped by a 9R(14) line was observed: i.e. while the 152 μm THz radiation can win in competition for gain at lower pressure, the 91 μm THz radiation in contrast can prevail at higher pressure.