Laser Source of Super-Power THz Radiation

Super-power sources of THz radiation are of interest in various fields of science and technology, which stimulates corresponding studies on the Exawatt Center for Extreme Light Studies (XCELS) infrastructure. In this context, design-theoretical justification is given for the possibility of achieving record-high parameters of laser-initiated THz pulses, generated upon interaction of an XCELS laser beam with a flat metal target (foil). These pulses are due to transition radiation of electrons leaving the target from the rear side after acceleration by the laser pulse field. This is accompanied by the generation of unique (unipolar) high-intensity THz pulses in vacuum with the power and energy limited only by the power of the initial laser pulse. It is shown theoretically and by numerical simulation how the interaction between a laser pulse of the XCELS facility and a target can provide generation of high-intensity THz pulses with unprecedentedly high power (10–50 TW) and energy (1–5 J), propagating both in the environment and over the conducting target surface.