Optical Rectification and Second Harmonic Generation of Intense Terahertz Pulses

Abstract

Efficient generation of terahertz (THz) frequencies has been a topic of interest in recent years, and intense pulses of THz light enable nonlinear processes that may be the basis for high-speed technologies to occur. The ability of this THz light to generate new frequencies through optical rectification (OR) and second harmonic generation (SHG) has only been studied in limited situations. The ability of these THz frequencies to cause nonlinear phenomena is of interest and has potential as a useful method of frequency conversion-leading to long term applications in electronic devices. Using 2D THz transmission spectroscopy [1]–[3] on THz generation crystals, we can generate and detect new frequencies of THz light. This 2D spectroscopy enables us to identify clear signatures of optical rectification and second harmonic generation of broadband THz frequency light [1]–[3].