Optimization of single-cycle terahertz generation in LiNbO3 for sub-50 femtosecond pump pulses

Opt Express. 2013 Mar 25;21(6):6826-36. doi: 10.1364/OE.21.006826.

Abstract

We compare different tilted-pulse-front pumping schemes for single-cycle THz generation in LiNbO(3) crystals both theoretically and experimentally in terms of conversion efficiency. The conventional setup with a single lens as an imaging element has been found to be highly inefficient in the case of sub-50 fs pump pulses, mainly due to the resulting chromatic aberrations. These aberrations are avoided in the proposed new setup, which employs two concave mirrors in a Keplerian telescope arrangement as the imaging sequence. This partially compensates spherical aberrations and results in a ca. six times higher conversion efficiency in the case of 35-fs optical pump pulse duration compared to the single-lens setup. A THz field strength of 60 kV/cm was obtained using 0.5 mJ pump pulses. The divergence of the THz beam has been found experimentally to depend on the pump imaging scheme employed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Lasers, Solid-State*
  • Niobium / chemistry*
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Terahertz Radiation

Substances

  • Oxides
  • Niobium
  • lithium niobate