Abstract-Terahertz Wave Modulation by Pre-plasma Using Different Laser Wavelength

Tong Wu, Liquan Dong, Rui Zhang, Hang Zhao, Yuejin Zhao, Cunlin Zhang, Liangliang Zhang

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10762-019-00618-9

We report the terahertz (THz) wave modulation from a pre-plasma using different laser wavelengths, which is intersected orthogonally to the two-color laser filament produced by 800-nm laser pulse. When the pre-plasma exists, the THz radiation excited by the two-color field decreases significantly and the modulation depth increases with the increasing modulation pulse wavelength. Moreover, the amplitude reduction at high frequency in THz spectrum and the THz wave polarization change also have the modulation pulse wavelength dependence. These results can be explained by a photocurrent model considering wavelength-dependent ionization rate. The work contributes to further understand the theoretical mechanism of THz wave generation and enrich the practical application of ultrafast THz modulator.

Abstract-Modulation of terahertz wave generation from laser-induced filament based on a preionized plasma

Tong Wu, Liquan Dong, Shijing Zhang, Hang Zhao, Kai Kang.Cunlin Zhang, Rui Zhang, Yuejin Zhao, Liangliang Zhang



https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0030401819302718

We demonstrate the modulation of terahertz wave generation from two-color femtosecond laser filament on the basis of a preionized air plasma background created by a modulation pulse using an orthogonal pumping geometry. This is achieved by adjusting and optimizing the phase difference between the two-color laser fields, which is introduced when the two-color fields goes through the preionized air plasma. In experiments, terahertz time domain waveform is observed using electro-optics sampling setup. Both the energy and the waveform of terahertz wave change significantly with the increase of modulation pulse energy. The results are reasonably coincident with our theoretical simulation based on the plasma photocurrent model. We also experimentally observe the additional relative phase between the two-color laser fields due to the presence of the preionized air plasma. Our results can contribute to the further understanding of the generation mechanism of terahertz wave, enhance the generation efficiency and expand the practical application of terahertz wave.

Abstract-Photomechanical meta-molecule array for real-time terahertz imaging

Yongzheng Wen, Delin Jia, Wei Ma, Yun Feng, Ming Liu, Liquan Dong, Yuejin Zhao,  Xiaomei Yu

https://www.nature.com/articles/micronano201771


Real-time terahertz (THz) imaging offers remarkable application possibilities, especially in the security and medical fields. However, most THz detectors work with scanners, and a long image acquisition time is required. Some thermal detectors can achieve real-time imaging by using a focal plane array but have the drawbacks of low sensitivity due to a lack of suitable absorbing materials. In this study, we propose a novel photomechanical meta-molecule array by conveniently assembling THz meta-atom absorbers and bi-material cantilevers together, which can couple THz radiation to a mechanical deflection of the meta-molecules with high efficiency. By optically reading out the mechanical deflections of all of the meta-molecules simultaneously, real-time THz imaging can be achieved. A polyimide sacrificial layer technique was developed to fabricate the device on a glass wafer, which facilitates the transmission of a readout light while the THz wave radiates onto the meta-molecule array directly from the front side. THz images and video of various objects as well as infrared images of the human body were captured successfully with the fabricated meta-molecule array. The proposed photomechanical device holds promise in applications in single and broadband THz as well as infrared imaging.