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THz generation via optical rectification with ultrashort laser pulse focused to a line

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Abstract

We report on efficient THz pulse generation via optical rectification with femtosecond laser pulses focused to a line by a cylindrical lens. This configuration provides phase-matched conditions in the superluminal regime. 35 pJ THz pulses have been generated with this technique in a stoichiometric LiNbO3 crystal pumped by 2 μJ femtosecond laser pulses at room temperature. An unusual superquadratic rise of the THz pulse energy with the laser pulse energy has been observed at high laser energies. This extraordinary energy dependence of the THz generation efficiency is explained by self-focusing of the laser beam in the crystal. Z-scan measurements and comparison of the THz pulse spectra created with laser pulses having different energies confirm this interpretation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Planck-Institute for Solid State Research, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany

    A. G. Stepanov & J. Kuhl

  2. Research Group of Nonlinear and Quantum Optics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and Department of Experimental Physics, University of Pécs, 7624, Hungary

    J. Hebling

Authors
  1. A. G. Stepanov
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  2. J. Hebling
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  3. J. Kuhl
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Correspondence to J. Kuhl.

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Stepanov, A.G., Hebling, J. & Kuhl, J. THz generation via optical rectification with ultrashort laser pulse focused to a line. Appl. Phys. B 81, 23–26 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-005-1826-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-005-1826-1

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