3D numerical simulations of THz generation by two-color laser filaments

Tera-hertz (THz) radiation produced by the filamentation of two-color pulses over long distances in argon is numerically investigated using a comprehensive model in full space-time-resolved geometry. We show that the dominant physical mechanism for THz generation in the filamentation regime at clamping intensity is based on quasi-dc plasma currents. The calculated THz spectra for different pump pulse energies and pulse durations are in agreement with previously reported experimental observations. For the same pulse parameters, near-infrared pump pulses at 2 μm are shown to generate a more than 1 order of magnitude greater THz yield than pumps centered at 800 nm. (authors)