Open AccessTerahertz vector beam generation using segmented nonlinear optical crystals with threefold rotational symmetry
Author(s) -
Ryo Imai,
Natsuki Kanda,
Tohru Higuchi,
Zheng Zhu,
Kuniaki Konishi,
Makoto KuwataGonokami
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.20.021896
Subject(s) - terahertz radiation , optics , optical rectification , terahertz spectroscopy and technology , physics , beam (structure) , electric field , nonlinear optics , laser , quantum mechanics
We propose and demonstrate a simple method for cylindrical vector beam generation in the terahertz frequency region using optical rectification in segmented nonlinear crystals with threefold rotational symmetry. We used segmented GaP(111) plates to generate the terahertz cylindrical vector beam, and obtained clear evidence of the beam generation with a terahertz camera. By this method, a broadband terahertz cylindrical vector beam can be generated, and the radial and azimuth modes can be easily switched. We also report on the direct observation of the longitudinal electric field components at the focal point using a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy technique.