Characterization of Terahertz Radiation Generated in an Organic Crystal

University essay from Lunds universitet/Atomfysik; Lunds universitet/Fysiska institutionen

Abstract: The terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum is an important research area allowing insights into fundamental science such as inter-molecular interactions, and with applications in the environmental, medical and security field. Using femtosecond lasers, it is possible to design compact and efficient terahertz generation schemes, resulting in few-cycle broadband pulses. This master thesis is concerned with generating terahertz radiation through optical rectification in the organic crystal DSTMS. This crystal has a high second order nonlinear coefficient and is phase matched for a 1500 nm pump laser. Terahertz radiation was successfully generated, with a maximum energy of 3.75 $\mu$J, corresponding to a generation efficiency of 0.71$\%$ at a pump laser energy of 530 $\mu$J. The theoretical background of this process, as well as the practical work is presented in this thesis.