Strong power upscaling of THz sources based on laser filamentation in transparent media

Abstract

Intense, ultra-broadband terahertz (THz) pulses can drive major advances in ultrafast dynamics, nonlinear THz optics, and bio-material imaging [1,2]. Single and two-color filamentation of ultrashort laser pulses in gases have been extensively used for the generation of such pulses [3,4]. However, filament formation in gases is hindered by the need of high laser pulse energies, motivating the exploration of alternate generation mechanisms [5]. On the other hand, filamentation can be achieved more easily in alternative target materials such as transparent solids and liquids [6,7]. Though, THz emission through either single or two-color filamentation in such materials, has not been investigated yet. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, strong THz emission through single and two-color filamentation in liquids and in fused silica (SiO 2 ) respectively and a significant THz field enhancement when using high repetition rate laser sources.