PhD thesis supervisor: dr. Mehdi Abedi-Varaki (apply for recommendation)
Generation of THz radiation in the interaction of an intense laser pulse with a plasma medium
Terahertz (THz) radiation sources are of great interest due to their applications in spectroscopy, biomedical imaging, material science, and ultrafast diagnostics. One of the most promising approaches for THz generation is based on laser–plasma interaction, where intense femtosecond laser pulses drive nonlinear plasma dynamics. The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the generation of THz radiation in the interaction of an intense laser pulse with a plasma medium using analytical modeling and numerical simulations. The study will focus on the fundamental physical mechanisms responsible for THz emission, including nonlinear current generation, plasma density modulation, ponderomotive forces, and two-color laser pulse interaction. Analytical models will be developed to describe the spectral and spatial properties of the emitted THz radiation. These models will be complemented by particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations to validate theoretical predictions. The project is expected to identify optimal laser and plasma parameters for efficient THz generation and to contribute to the development of compact, high-field laser-driven THz sources.