The nonlinear propagation of ultrashort laser pulses as solitons, filaments, and light bullets is an exciting research field. Beyond the fundamental studies on the complex spatio-temporal phenomena involved, the domain is driven significantly by its numerous applications in materials engineering, remote spectroscopy, and telecommunications.
We will be reviewing our recent experimental and theoretical advances on taming laser filaments and how these can be used for developing intense THz sources. We will be demonstrating that one may obtain powerful THz radiation using unconventional media, like liquids, where the medium presents strong linear absorption [1]. Moreover, we will be showing the way in achieving extreme THz electric and magnetic fields above the GV/cm and the kilo-tesla level, respectively, using intense two-color mid-infrared filaments [2-3].
We will also be discussing applications in 3D additive manufacturing using tamed wave packets [4] and demonstrate how it becomes possible to achieve localized and controlled modification of the index of refraction in the bulk of silicon [5]. This advance opens new opportunities in silicon photonics and brings closer photonic and electronic devices.
For forthcoming colloquia, please see: http://www.materials.uoc.gr/en/colloquia