Extreme THz Science
Abstract
Matters are generally classified within four phase states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Three of four states of matter (solid, gas, and plasma) have been used for THz wave generation with short laser pulse excitation for decades, including the recent vigorous development of THz photonics in gases (air plasma). However, the demonstration of THz generation from liquids was conspicuously absent. It is well known that water, the most common liquid, is a strong absorber in the far infrared range. Therefore, liquid water has historically been sworn off as a source for THz radiation. Our group is the first group in the world, who demonstrated broadband THz wave generation from a flowing liquid target through laser induced micro-plasma. Liquid target as THz source presents unique properties. Specifically, liquids have a comparable material density to that of solids, meaning that laser pulses over a certain area will interact with three orders more molecules than an equivalent cross-section of gases. In contrast with solid targets, the fluidity of liquid allows each laser pulse to interact with a fresh area on the target. Thus, the material damage or degradation is not an issue with the high repetition rate intense laser pulses. These properties make liquids very promising candidates for the study of high-energy-density plasma, as well as the possibility of being a candidate for the next generation of THz sources. By employing the liquids target, we create a new topic in the THz community, which is THz liquid photonics to explore extreme THz science from a new perspective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 14, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1186906
Entities
People
- E Yiwen
- Xi-Cheng Zhang
Organizations
- University of Rochester