Bayesian framework for THz-TDS plasma diagnostics.

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is an optical diagnostic used to noninvasively measure plasma electron density and collision frequency. Conventional methods for analyzing THz-TDS plasma diagnostic data often do not account for measurement artifacts and do not quantify parameter uncertainties. We introduce a novel Bayesian framework that overcomes these deficiencies. The framework enables computation of both the density and collision frequency, compensates for artifacts produced by refraction and delay line errors, and quantifies parameter uncertainties caused by noise and imprecise knowledge of unmeasured plasma properties. We demonstrate the framework with sample measurements of a radio frequency inductively-coupled plasma discharge.

A technique to measure optical properties of brownout clouds for modeling terahertz propagation.

Brownout, the loss of visibility caused by dust resultant of helicopter downwash, is a factor in the large majority of military helicopter accidents. As terahertz radiation readily propagates through the associated dust aerosols and is attenuated by atmospheric water vapor within short distances, it can provide low-profile imaging that improves effective pilot visibility. In order to model this application of terahertz imaging, it is necessary to determine the optical properties of obscurants at these frequencies. We present here a method of empirical calculation and experimental measurement of the complex refractive index of the obscuring aerosols. Results derived from terahertz time-domain spectral measurements are incorporated into the AFIT CDE Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) software.

Enhanced coupling of terahertz radiation to cylindrical wire waveguides.

Wire waveguides have recently been shown to be valuable for transporting pulsed terahertz radiation. This technique relies on the use of a scattering mechanism for input coupling. A radially polarized surface wave is excited when a linearly polarized terahertz pulse is focused on the gap between the wire waveguide and another metal structure. We calculate the input coupling efficiency using a simulation based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). Additional FEM results indicate that enhanced coupling efficiency can be achieved through the use of a radially symmetric photoconductive antenna. Experimental results confirm that such an antenna can generate terahertz radiation which couples to the radial waveguide mode with greatly improved efficiency.

Frequency-dependent radiation patterns emitted by THz plasmons on finite length cylindrical metal wires.

We report on the emission patterns from THz plasmons propagating towards the end of cylindrical metal waveguides. Such waveguides exhibit low loss and dispersion, but little is known about the dynamics of the terahertz radiation at the end of the waveguide, specifically in the near- and intermediate-field. Our experimental results and numerical simulations show that the near- and intermediate-field terahertz spectra, measured at the end of the waveguide, vary with the position relative to the waveguide. This is explained by the frequency-dependent diffraction occurring at the end of the cylindrical waveguide. Our results show that near-field changes in the frequency content of THz pulses for increasing wire-detector distances must be taken into account when studying surface waves on cylindrical waveguides.