Conversion of Intense Laser Pulses to Electromagnetic Fields of Terahertz and Sub-Terahertz Ranges Using Extended Targets
摘要
We consider effects leading to the generation of quasi-stationary fields and radiation of electro-magnetic waves during the propagation of an optically excited discharge pulse in extended targets. The results of numerical simulation are presented for the interaction of an ultrashort laser pulse of relativistic intensity with an extended dense target and for the transformation of this pulse into a powerful discharge current pulse. It is shown that, under certain conditions, such a pulse can be used to generate strong electromagnetic fields with specified spatiotemporal properties. Particular attention is paid to the influence of parameters of the discharge pulse on the properties of the induced electromagnetic fields. Analysis of the discharge-pulse profile as a function of the target thickness is provided and the dynamics of the evolution of the discharge-pulse profile on a time scale of about ∼ 10 ps, when the distance traveled by the pulse along an extended target is of the order of 3 mm, is studied.