In a groundbreaking study, researchers have made a significant advancement in the field of terahertz science and technology by generating ionizing, multicycle, 15-THz waves using large-area lithium niobate crystals. The breakthrough was achieved through phase-matched optical rectification of 150-terawatt laser pulses, opening up new possibilities for nonlinear and relativistic THz physics in plasma.
THz waves, known for their low photon energies and non-ionizing nature, have been found to ionize atoms and molecules when a sufficiently large number of THz photons are concentrated in time and space. The researchers successfully generated these ionizing THz waves and conducted a comprehensive characterization of their energy, pulse duration, and focal spot size. The results showed that the field strength of the generated THz waves can reach an impressive 260 megavolts per centimeter.
To measure the THz pulse duration and spectrum, the researchers employed a single-shot THz interferometer, complemented by numerical simulations. This allowed for a thorough understanding of the generated THz waves' properties and their potential applications.
The intense THz pulses were then irradiated onto various solid targets to demonstrate THz-induced tunneling ionization and plasma formation. This demonstration showcases the capability of the generated THz waves to interact with matter in novel ways, paving the way for new research avenues in nonlinear and relativistic THz physics.
The study also discusses the potential of nonperturbative THz-driven ionization in gases, which could lead to exciting new opportunities in the field. The ability to generate ionizing THz waves with high field strengths opens up possibilities for exploring previously inaccessible phenomena and developing innovative applications.
Lithium niobate crystals played a crucial role in this breakthrough, as they allowed for phase-matched optical rectification of the high-power laser pulses. The researchers utilized large-area lithium niobate crystals to generate the 15-THz waves efficiently, demonstrating the material's potential for high-energy THz wave generation.
The study's findings have significant implications for various fields, including THz spectroscopy, materials science, and plasma physics. The ability to generate ionizing THz waves with high field strengths could enable new techniques for probing and manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular level, as well as studying nonlinear and relativistic phenomena in plasma.
As research in the field of THz science and technology continues to advance, the generation of ionizing, multicycle THz waves using phase-matched optical rectification in lithium niobate crystals represents a significant milestone. This breakthrough paves the way for further exploration of nonlinear and relativistic THz physics, as well as the development of novel applications in various scientific and technological domains.
