A compact platform for efficient generation and single-shot measurement of high-field terahertz wave with a broadband naturally synchronized mid-infrared source

Abstract

High-field terahertz (THz) wave is a powerful tool for investigating ultrafast dynamics such as the motion of electrons, the vibration of crystal lattices, the precession of spin, etc. In this letter, we demonstrate the generation of intense single-cycle THz pulses from an organic crystal DSTMS (4-N, N-dimethylamino-4'-N'-methyl–stilbazolium 2,4,6–trimethylbenzenesulfonate) via optical rectification. The generated THz field is characterized by single-shot electro-optic sampling with a linearly chirped probe beam. Meanwhile, the spectrum of the infrared pump is broadened to an octave which supports a 1.9-cycle pulse duration. The proposed scheme displays a sophisticated platform of efficient high-field THz generation, single-shot THz measurement, and a broadband mid-infrared source which is naturally synchronized with the THz pulses.