Laser-induced plasma generation of terahertz radiation using three incommensurate wavelengths

Abstract: We present the generation of THz radiation by focusing ultrafast laser pulses with three incommensurate wavelengths to form a plasma. The three colors include 800 nm and the variable IR signal and idler outputs from an optical parametric amplifier. Stable THz is generated when all three colors are present, with a peak-to-peak field strength of ~200 kV/cm and a relatively broad, smooth spectrum extending out to 6 THz, without any strong dependence on the selection of signal and idler IR wavelengths (in the range from 1300-2000 nm). We confirm that 3 colors are indeed needed, and comment on the polarization characteristics of the generated THz, some of which are challenging to explain with plasma current models that have had success in describing two-color plasma THz generation.