THz generation by optical rectification of femtosecond laser pulses in a liquid crystal

Abstract

In this study, we propose the generation of broadband terahertz (THz) radiation from a liquid crystal with large birefringence in the THz range, pumped by 800 nm femtosecond laser pulses based on optical rectification. Our measurements revealed that the THz amplitude depends on the orientation of the liquid crystal relative to the polarization of the femtosecond pump. Additionally, it was found that the THz peak intensity is linearly dependent on the pump fluence. Furthermore, an elliptically polarized THz wave pattern was observed. The results may lead to a new type of tunable THz source.