Generation of Intense THz Pulsed Lasers Pumped Strongly by CO₂ Pulsed Lasers

A theoretical method dealing with two intense laser fields interacting with a three-level molecular system is proposed. A discussion is presented on the properties of the solutions for time-independent and time-dependent absorption coefficients and gain coefficient on resonance for strong laser fields, based on analytic evaluation of the rate equations for a homogeneously broadened, three-level molecular system. The pump intensity range can be estimated according to the analytic expression of pump saturation intensity. The effects of pulse width, gas pressure and path length on the energy absorbed from pump light are studied theoretically. The results can be applied to the analysis of pulsed, optically pumped terahertz lasers.