Numerical simulation on terahertz wave propagation in plasma channels

Abstract Terahertz (THz) wave generated by femtosecond laser filamentation can spatially constrained inside the plasma channels. Our simulation results show that this constraint to THz wave will gradually weaken with the increasing THz frequency. At the same time, results also indicate that the higher plasma density possesses the stronger constraint. In addition, the model field radius and width of THz wave will become larger with the increasing plasma channel radius. Based on the simulation results we find the changes of refractive index at THz wave play an important role on THz wave propagation in plasma channels.