Terahertz radiation from superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−δ thin films excited by femtosecond optical pulses

Abstract

Ultrashort electromagnetic waves (600 fs width) from superconducting YBCO thin films have been observed by irradiating current-biased samples with femtosecond optical laser pulses (80 fs width). The Fourier component of the pulse extends up to ∼2 THz. The characteristics of the radiation are studied and the radiation mechanism is ascribed to the ultrafast supercurrent modulation by the laser pulses, which induce the nonequilibrium superconductivity.