Double-slit diffraction of terahertz wave generated by tilted-pulse-front pumping

Abstract

We propose a spatial diffraction diagnostic method via inserting a millimeter-gap double slit into the collimated terahertz beam to monitor the minute variation of the terahertz beam in strong-field terahertz sources, which is difficult to be resolved in conventional terahertz imaging systems. To verify the method, we intentionally fabricate tiny variations of the terahertz beam through tuning the iris for the infrared pumping beam before the tilted-pulse-front pumping setups. The phenomena can be well explained by the theory based on the tilted-pulse-front technique and terahertz diffraction.