Terahertz radiation with high power and high efficiency in a magnetized plasma

Abstract

We propose a scheme for the generation of terahertz (THz) radiation in a plasma by beating of two flat-topped laser beams when a static magnetic field is applied to the plasma with a parallel or perpendicular direction. We show that the presence of a static magnetic field can enhance drastically the power and efficiency of THz radiation. The power and efficiency enhancement of the perpendicular magnetic field is greater than that of parallel one. Furthermore, the perpendicular magnetic field produces THz radiation with a square shaped field profile which has many applications in industries especially in optical communication. Optimizing the laser beams and magnetized plasma parameters and considering the interaction (mutual effect) between laser beams, THz radiation, and plasma, the THz radiation efficiency up to 8.3% can be obtained. A comparison between the THz radiation generated by flat-topped and super Gaussian laser beams shows that, at the same conditions, the THz radiation generated by flat-topped beam lasers has some advantages such as about two times wider flat-topped region and more than two times higher efficiency.