Universal properties of locally generated terahertz waveforms from polarization-controlled two- and multicolor ionizing fields

The polarization states of terahertz (THz) radiation generated in a photoionized gas driven by intense two- or multi-frequency fields with locally controlled polarization are studied. We reveal a universal property of the resulting THz waveforms: the ellipticity of their polarization state increases linearly with frequency. This "linear chirp of ellipticity"makes plasma-based THz generation unique among other THz sources. However, it also imposes some constraints on the polarization properties of the generated THz radiation. We derive a general expression for the THz ellipticity and demonstrate how the polarization states of the generated THz waveforms can be manipulated and controlled by the polarization of the pump pulses.