THz Plasma Diagnostics: an evolution from FIR and Millimeter waves historical applications

Extremely broadband (100 GHz–30 THz) single cycle THz pulses are routinely generated with femtosecond laser for Time Domain Spectroscopy applications (TDS). The wide frequency range has an unquestionable diagnostic potential for Tokamak plasmas and not surprisingly THz TDS finds a natural field of application in this area, which is an evolution of the FIR and millimeter waves diagnostics, where ENEA Frascati holds historical expertise. By illuminating the plasma with a THz beam, phase, intensity and polarization of both reflected and transmitted beams can be detected, devising a single diagnostic instrument capable of measuring multiple plasma parameters. We will describe and discuss the laboratory work now in progress to realise a tailored THz-TDS spectrometer with design parameters optimised for the requirements of Tokamak plasmas and the tests of optical fibers and quasioptical couplers to optimise access to plasma. ENEA Frascati and the Photonics group of Physics Dept. of Oxford University are collaborating on this subject [1].