We study the generation of terahertz radiation from atoms and molecules driven by an ultrashort fundamental laser and its second harmonic field by solving time-dependent Schrodinger equation (TDSE). The comparisons between one-, two-, and three- dime
nsional TDSE numerical simulations show that initial ionized wave-packet and its subsequent acceleration in the laser field and rescattering with long-range Coulomb potential play key roles. We also present the dependence of the optimum phase delay and yield of terahertz radiation on the laser intensity, wavelength, duration, and the ratio of two-color laser components. Terahertz wave generation from model hydrogen molecules are further investigated by comparing with high harmonic emission. It is found that the terahertz yield is following the alignment dependence of ionization rate, while the optimal two-color phase delays varies by a small amount when the alignment angle changes from 0 to 90 degrees, which reflects alignment dependence of attosecond electron dynamics. Finally we show that terahertz emission might be used to clarify the origin of interference in high harmonic generation from aligned molecules by coincidently measuring the angle-resolved THz yields.
We perform a joint measurement of terahertz waves and high-order harmonics generated from noble atoms driven by a fundamental laser pulse and its second harmonic. By correlating their dependence on the phase-delay of the two pulses, we determine the
generation of THz waves in tens of attoseconds precision. Compared with simulations and models, we find that the laser-assisted soft-collision of the electron wave packet with the atomic core plays a key role. It is demonstrated that the rescattering process, being indispensable in HHG processes, dominant THz wave generation as well but in a more elaborate way. The new finding might be helpful for the full characterization of the rescattering dynamics.
