Recent experiments in terahertz photonics, plasmonics, and spectroscopy at the Novosibirsk free electron laser facility

A review is given of recent experiments in the field of terahertz optics conducted on the Novosibirsk free electron laser (NovoFEL). The NovoFEL facility configuration is briefly described, and radiation characteristics of the three laser systems of the facility are presented. Considerable attention has been paid to the development and testing of quasi-optical elements designed for this range and methods to produce high-power beams of terahertz radiation with a given mode composition. The use of terahertz radiation in the spectroscopy of gases and semiconductors and generation and research on surface plasmon polaritons, as well as applying the latter in surface study and communication applications, are described.