Cherenkov Phase Matching Research Articles

Nonlinear optical process of second-order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ133(2) in an organic nonlinear optical crystal DAST.

A large unexamined second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) process is found in a 4-N,N-dimethylamino-4'-N'-methyl stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) crystal, which has a large figure of merit among NLO crystals. In second-order NLO processes using a DAST crystal, the χ111(2) process of light excitation is commonly used, involving a-axis polarized light excitation with light generation of a-axis polarized light. However, there have been few studies of other second-order NLO susceptibility processes to date. In this Letter, terahertz (THz) wave generation via second-order NLO processes based on the χ133(2) second-order NLO susceptibility of the DAST crystal was investigated. By adjusting the polarization direction of the excitation light using a prism-coupled Cerenkov phase-matching method, efficient generation of THz waves was achieved using a process involving χ133(2). The magnitude of the NLO constant χ133(2) estimated from the THz intensity ratio was 77.8 pm/V. These results indicate that prism-coupled Cherenkov phase matching can be used to identify undiscovered NLO processes for NLO crystals.

Inverse Cherenkov effect and control of optical solitons by resonant dispersive waves

The interactions of optical solitons with dispersive waves of low intensity in optical fibers with high-order dispersion are considered numerically and analytically. It is shown that Cherenkov phase matching between the solitons and the dispersive waves makes it possible to achieve an efficient interaction between the solitary and the incident dispersive waves. The inverse Cherenkov effect (resonant absorption of dispersive wave by the soliton) and the effect of phase locking of the solitons to the dispersive waves are demonstrated numerically. To explain the phenomena observed in numerical simulations, a simple analytical theory is developed and compared against the numerical data.

Pump wavelength-independent broadband terahertz generation from a nonlinear optical crystal.

In nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, the selection of pump light wavelengths for the generation of terahertz (THz) waves is limited due to problems associated with coherence length, refractive index, and absorption by the crystal. Relaxation of this limitation would open up potential light sources for THz generation. One such solution, Cherenkov phase matching, removes the coherence length constraint. In this study, we attempted to generate THz waves from an NLO crystal using femtosecond pulses of various wavelengths. Specifically, 805-nm and 1560-nm femtosecond pulses were used to pump a prism-coupled LiNbO3 crystal. Broadband THz-wave generation and a THz-wave output proportional to the square of the pump light intensity were observed at both wavelengths. The generation of THz waves by prism-coupled Cherenkov phase matching was not limited by the wavelength of the pump light. Moreover, THz-wave generation at even greater intensities may be possible by optimizing the pump source and coupling to an NLO crystal.

Organic Nonlinear Optical Single-Crystalline Thin Film Grown by Physical Vapor Deposition for Terahertz Generation

There are a number of advantages to terahertz (THz) waves by Cherenkov phase matching using a nonlinear optical (NLO) crystal; however, a thin crystal of micrometer-scale must be grown to satisfy t...

Single-Cycle Terahertz Pulse Generation from OH1 Crystal via Cherenkov Phase Matching

OH1 crystal is an organic nonlinear optical crystal with a large nonlinear optical constant. However, it has dispersion of refractive indices in the terahertz (THz) frequency. This limits the frequencies that satisfy the phase matching conditions for THz wave generation. In this study, we addressed the phase matching conditions for THz wave generation by combining an OH1 crystal with prism-coupled Cherenkov phase matching. We observed the generation of single-cycle THz pulses with a spectrum covering a frequency range of 3 THz. These results prove that combining prism-coupled Cherenkov phase matching with nonlinear optical crystals yields a THz wave generation method that is insusceptible to crystal dispersion.

Transversely superimposed gratings for narrow far-field terahertz surface emission of nonlinear quantum cascade lasers

We present terahertz (THz) surface emission by difference frequency generation in nonlinear quantum cascade lasers operating at room temperature. The device comprises two separate, transversely superimposed gratings, one for selective feedback for the midinfrared (MIR) modes and one for normal surface emission of the generated THz radiation. This allows for narrow far-field THz emission with an enhanced extraction over the entire device length with improved electrical and thermal properties compared to previous devices relying on Cherenkov phase matching. The MIR grating is realized as a higher order loss-coupled distributed feedback grating for single-mode emission at two distinct wavelengths. Its position determines the position of the standing wave pattern of the MIR modes and of the nonlinear polarization wave. This allows for a precise placement of the second-order top grating, which leads to perpendicular surface emission. The device emits in a single-lobed far-field with a full width half maximum of 3.5 deg in single-mode operation at room temperature.

Generation of single-cycle terahertz pulse using Cherenkov phase matching with 4-dimethylamino-N′-methyl-4′-stilbazolium tosylate crystal

This is the first report of single-cycle terahertz (THz)-wave pulse generation with a wide band (over 6 THz) and a high dynamic range (over 70 dB) using an organic nonlinear optical crystal, 4-dimethylamino-N′-methyl-4′-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST), and the prism-coupled Cherenkov phase-matching method. The prism-coupled approach allowed the use of a DAST crystal as a Cherenkov-type emitter for reduced light absorption by the crystal, resulting in the generation of single- and half-cycle THz pulse shapes, which were detected using dipole and bow-tie antennas, respectively. The resulting THz pulse generation is suitable for various THz-wave application technologies, such as tomography.

Enhanced Cherenkov phase matching terahertz wave generation via a magnesium oxide doped lithium niobate ridged waveguide crystal

When combined with a nonlinear waveguide crystal, Cherenkov phase matching allows for highly effective generation of high power and broadband terahertz (THz) waves. Using a ridged Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) waveguide coupled with a specially designed silicon lens, we successfully generated THz waves with intensity of approximately three orders of magnitude stronger than those from conventional photoconductive antenna. The broadband spectrum was from 0.1 THz to 7 THz with a maximum dynamic range of 80 dB. The temporal shape of time domain pulse is a regular single cycle which could be used for high depth resolution time of flight tomography. The generated THz wave can also be easily monitored by compact room-temperature THz camera, enabling us to determine the spatial characteristics of the THz propagation.

Investigation of Terahertz Generation from Bulk and Periodically Poled LiTaO3Crystal with a Cherenkov Phase Matching Scheme

Terahertz (THz) wave generation from bulk and periodically poled $LiTaO_3$ (PPLT) with a Cherenkov phase matching scheme is numerically investigated. It is shown that by using the crystal birefringence of bulk $LiTaO_3$ and a grating vector of PPLT, THz waves can be efficiently generated by difference frequency generation (DFG) with a Cherenkov phase matching scheme. The frequency tuning characteristics of the THz wave via varying wavelength of difference frequency waves, phase matching angle, poling period of PPLT and working temperature are theoretically analyzed. The parametric gain coefficient in the low-loss limit and the absorption coefficient of the THz wave during the DFG process in the vicinity of polariton resonances are numerically analyzed. A THz wave can be efficiently generated by utilizing the giant second order nonlinearities of $LiTaO_3$ in the vicinity of polariton resonances.

Behavior of three waves in Cherenkov phase matched monochromatic terahertz wave generation investigated by numerical analysis

The dynamical behavior of electric fields in Cherenkov phase matched terahertz wave generation was numerically analyzed. The effect of diffraction of the terahertz wave was the dominant factor for efficiency of terahertz wave generation. Tightly-focused pump and signal beams radiated efficient terahertz wave drastically in the transverse direction. Propagating terahertz wave at the Cherenkov angle separated from the pump and signal beams; thus destructive interaction of the three waves under phase mismatched conditions no longer occurred. The effect resulted in continuous pump depletion and efficient energy conversion from the pump wave to the terahertz wave. Our results indicate that complete pump depletion could be achieved with Cherenkov phase matching.

Detection of Terahertz Pulsed Radiation by Using Heterodyne Electro‐Optic Sampling Scheme

SUMMARYA new electro‐optic (EO) sampling scheme, which we refer to as “heterodyne EO sampling,” for the detection of pulsed terahertz (THz) waves is proposed and demonstrated. In this heterodyne EO sampling scheme, the intensity change in the sampling optical pulse induced by a THz field in a nonlinear crystal is measured without using any polarization optics. Applied in conjunction with the noncollinear Cherenkov phase matching technique, this method allows efficient and easy detection of pulsed THz wave using a simpler optical setup than in the conventional EO sampling method.

Evaluation of polarized terahertz waves generated by Cherenkov phase matching

We report terahertz (THz) wave generation by satisfying Cherenkov phase-matching condition in both s and p polarizations. A dual-wavelength optical parametric oscillator is constructed from two potassium titanium oxide phosphate crystals pumped by a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser. By rotating the orientation of both a lithium niobate crystal (LiNbO3) and the polarization of the pump waves, the polarization of the THz wave changes. Due to the difference in the refractive index and absorption, the output power for p polarization is one tenth that for s polarization. A tuning range from 0.2 to 6.5 THz is obtained for s polarization, and from 0.2 to 4.2 and 5.4 to 6.9 THz for p polarization. The extraction efficiency is improved by changing the angle of prism for p polarization, and a large phase change occurs at total internal reflection. Consequently, p-polarized THz waves are optimal for spectroscopic applications.

THz-wave sensing via pump and signal wave detection interacted with evanescent THz waves

We report a novel sensing technique that uses an evanescent terahertz (THz) wave, without detecting the THz wave directly. When a THz wave generated by Cherenkov phase matching via difference frequency generation undergoes total internal reflection, the evanescent THz wave is subject to a phase change and an amplitude decrease. The reflected THz wave, under the influence of the sample, interferes with the propagating THz wave and the changing electric field of the THz wave interacts with the electric field of the pump waves. We demonstrate a sensing technique for detecting changes in the electric field of near-infrared light, transcribed from changes in the electric field of a THz wave.

Cherenkov phase-matching in Raman-seeded four-wave mixing by a femtosecond Bessel beam

It is demonstrated experimentally that the angle vs. wavelength dependence of the emission generated by multi-step four-wave mixing process seeded by stimulated Raman scattering in water under femtosecond Bessel beam excitation is determined by the longitudinal phase-matching from IR to near UV. It is shown that if on-axis phase velocity of the pump Bessel beam is equal to the phase velocity of the Stokes axial wave, then, similar to Cherenkov radiation, all the other anti-Stokes beams too acquire that axial velocity.

Efficient electro-optic sampling detection of terahertz radiation via Cherenkov phase matching

We experimentally demonstrate an efficient electro-optic sampling scheme based on Cherenkov phase matching of broadband terahertz radiation with 800-nm femtosecond probe beam in a 0.5 mm-thick LiNbO3 crystal coupled to a Si prism. The electro-optic signal from a Cherenkov-phase-matched LiNbO3 crystal is found to be comparable to that with a 4 mm-thick ZnTe crystal using a collinear phase matching. The Cherenkov phase matching technique can be achieved with any probe wavelength and hence has an advantage over the collinear phase matching method.

Half Cycle Terahertz Pulse Generation by Prism-Coupled Cherenkov Phase-Matching Method

Nonlinear optical terahertz wave generation is a promising method for realizing a practical source with wide frequency range and high peak power. Unfortunately, many nonlinear crystals have a strong absorption in the terahertz frequency region. This limits efficient and widely tunable terahertz wave generation. The Cherenkov phase-matching method is one of the most promising techniques for overcoming these problems. We propose a prism-coupled Cherenkov phase-matching method, in which a prism with a suitable refractive index at terahertz frequencies is coupled to a nonlinear crystal. We demonstrate prism-coupled Cherenkov phase-matching terahertz generation using the DAST and LiNbO3 crystals. With a DAST crystal, we obtain a spectral flat tunability up to 10 THz by difference frequency generation. With a LiNbO3 crystal, we observe a spectral flat broadband terahertz pulse generation up to 5 THz pumped by a femto second fiber laser. The obtained temporal waveform is an ideal half cycle pulse suitable for reflection terahertz tomography.

Nonlinear optical terahertz wave sources

We developed a Cherenkov phase-matching method for monochromatic THz-wave generation using the DFG, process with a lithium niobate crystal, which resulted in both high conversion efficiency and wide tunability. Although THz-wave generation by Cherenkov phase matching has been demonstrated using femtosecond pumping pulses, producing very high peak power, these THz-wave sources are not monochromatic. Our method generates monochromatic and tunable THz, waves using a nanosecond pulsed laser source. We also show that Cherenkov radiation with waveguide structure is an effective strategy for achieving extremely wide tunable THz-wave source. We fabricated MgO-doped lithium niobate slab waveguide and demonstrated difference frequency generation of THz-wave generation with Cherenkov phase matching. Extremely frequency-widened THz-wave generation, from 0.1 to 7 THz was observed.

Prism-coupled Cherenkov phase-matched terahertz wave generation using a DAST crystal

Terahertz (THz) wave generation based on nonlinear frequency conversion is a promising method for realizing a tunable monochromatic high-power THz-wave source. Unfortunately, many nonlinear crystals have strong absorption in the THz frequency region. This limits efficient and widely tunable THz-wave generation. The Cherenkov phase-matching method is one of the most promising techniques for overcoming these problems. Here, we propose a prism-coupled Cherenkov phase-matching (PCC-PM) method, in which a prism with a suitable refractive index at THz frequencies is coupled to a nonlinear crystal. This has the following advantages. Many crystals can be used as THz-wave emitters; the phase-matching condition inside the crystal does not have to be observed; the absorption of the crystal does not prevent efficient generation of radiation; and pump sources with arbitrary wavelengths can be employed. Here we demonstrate PCC-PM THz-wave generation using the organic crystal 4-dimethylamino-N-metyl-4-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) and a Si prism coupler. We obtain THz-wave radiation with tunability of approximately 0.1 to 10 THz and with no deep absorption features resulting from the absorption spectrum of the crystal. The obtained spectra did not depend on the pump wavelength in the range 1300 to 1450 nm. This simple technique shows promise for generating THz radiation using a wide variety of nonlinear crystals.

Extremely frequency-widened terahertz wave generation using Cherenkov-type radiation

Terahertz (THz) wave generation based on nonlinear frequency conversion is promising way for realizing a tunable monochromatic bright THz-wave source. Such a development of efficient and wide tunable THz-wave source depends on discovery of novel brilliant nonlinear crystal. Important factors of a nonlinear crystal for THz-wave generation are, 1. High nonlinearity and 2. Good transparency at THz frequency region. Unfortunately, many nonlinear crystals have strong absorption at THz frequency region. The fact limits efficient and wide tunable THz-wave generation. Here, we show that Cherenkov radiation with waveguide structure is an effective strategy for achieving efficient and extremely wide tunable THz-wave source. We fabricated MgO-doped lithium niobate slab waveguide with 3.8 microm of thickness and demonstrated difference frequency generation of THz-wave generation with Cherenkov phase matching. Extremely frequency-widened THz-wave generation, from 0.1 to 7.2 THz, without no structural dips successfully obtained. The tuning frequency range of waveguided Cherenkov radiation source was extremely widened compare to that of injection seeded-Terahertz Parametric Generator. The tuning range obtained in this work for THz-wave generation using lithium niobate crystal was the widest value in our knowledge. The highest THz-wave energy obtained was about 3.2 pJ, and the energy conversion efficiency was about 10(-5) %. The method can be easily applied for many conventional nonlinear crystals, results in realizing simple, reasonable, compact, high efficient and ultra broad band THz-wave sources.