Open-source 3D-printed terahertz pulse time-domain holographic detection module.

Abstract

We present a holographic detection module to measure the spatially resolved distribution of pulsed terahertz field in a single scan by a motorized translation stage, responsible for the time delay. All mounts of the optical elements of the module are easily reproduced by 3D printing and attached to the optical cage system. The latter greatly simplifies the measurement procedure, allowing the experimenter to move and adjust the detection system as a single device. The developed mounts are made universal and can be used in other setups. We have made 3D models available as open-source hardware. The module is based on an electro-optical detection scheme with wide-aperture ZnTe crystal, crossed polarizers, and a matrix photodetector. The validation of its operability was performed with two experiments to measure the spatial distribution of the unperturbed field from the generator and the vortex field formed by the spiral phase plate. Optical vortices with multiple topological charges of 2-4 were detected on spectral components in the range from 0.3 to 1.1 THz. In addition, we have detailed the alignment process of terahertz imaging systems.