Terahertz electromagnetic wave generation by high-intensity laser pulse along metal surfaces

This talk reports on both theoretical study and fullwave Maxwell simulation of the excitation and propagation of the terahertz pulse excited by the electron bunch leaving metal targets as a result of its generation by femtosecond laser pulse. Conversion coefficients of laser radiation energy into the THz electromagnetic wave for planar and wire targets have been calculated. There have been demonstrated that for metal wire electromagnetic surface waves are excited in the form of well-known Sommerfeld waves and the higher angular surface wave modes. Although the main part of the surface wave power is reflected at the edge of the wire, its considerable fraction may radiate that makes it possible to design an intense terahertz antenna.