Axisymmetric model for 1-color laser filament THz emission

Abstract

A 3D axisymmetric model for laser beam propagation in air is proposed for use with THz emission calculations. The model accounts for nonlinear propagation of the femtosecond pulse that generates the filament (Kerr self-focusing and plasma defocusing). The formalism proposed can be applied across a broad range of experimental parameters - focal lengths, beam profiles, and intensities. We adapt existing models of 1-color THz emission for use with the beam propagation model to calculate THz emission signatures. Two of these THz emission models are used - a 1D model and a more detailed 3D axisymmetric model. For the test case considered, nonlinear propagation dynamics have a large impact on the amplitude of the THz signal, but only a minimal impact on the frequency content and angular distribution of the signal.