Generation of powerful terahertz pulses in a terahertz system for medical applications
Nazarov M.M.(1), Shcheglov P.A.(1), Teplyakov V.V.(2), Chashchin M.V.(1,2), Mitrofanov A.V.(1,3,4), Sidorov-Biryukov D.A.(1,2,3), Zheltikov A.M.(1,2,3,5), Panchenko V.Ya.(1,3,4)
1 National Research Centre 'Kurchatov Institute', Moscow, 123182
2 Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992,
3 Russian Quantum Centre, Skolkovo, Moscow Oblast, 143025
4 Institute of Laser and Information Technologies, Branch of Federal Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics", Russian Academy of Sciences. Shatura, 140700.
5 Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA.
Abstract
The objectives of this experiment were to convert radiation from a terawatt laser system into single-period THz pulses with a peak field of at least 3 MV/cm to affect biological objects, and to search for the most suitable objects to be affected by the resulting strong field. The plan also includes study and working out an optical exposure experiment and a reliable diagnosis of the results.
We obtained the desired THz radiation in lithium niobate with the following laser parameters: energy 260 mJ, incident beam diameter 20 mm, pulse duration 30 fs. Parameters of lithium niobate plates: diameter from 2.5 to 10 cm, thickness from 50 to 1000 mm, composition either unalloyed or alloyed MgO (5.5%). We also measured the achievable energy (10 µJ), duration (0.2 ps) and peak field (5 MV/cm) of the THz pulse and prepared the experiment for biological targeting. In parallel with this work, the existing laser beam was characterized for possible correction by adaptive optics techniques. For the experiment on biological object we chose BSA in lyophilized form and the assumed changing property - absorption spectrum in the UV range.
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Speaker
Valeriy Teplyakov
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russia
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