Terahertz wave generation by nanoconfinement of light

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.

Laser pumped terahertz (THz) wave up-conversion detection with high sensitivity, fast responsivity and wide frequency band is achieved at room temperature, based on home-made organic nonlinear crystals 4-N,N-dimethylamino-4′-N′-methyl-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST). Green laser pulses pumped KTiOPO<sub>4</sub> optical parametric oscillators are utilized as the sources of dual-wavelength near-infrared (NIR) beams (1.3–1.6 μm, for THz-wave difference frequency generation (DFG)) and a single NIR beam (1.2–1.4 μm, for up-conversion detection). The nonlinear medium for both THz-DFG and detection is DAST (grown by CETC-46). A nanosecond-time-resolved THz pulse is obtained with an InGaAs p-i-n photo-diode. The spectrum of the up-converted NIR light is acquired, which allows us to measure the THz frequency indirectly. The sensitivity (also at room temperature) is 4 orders better at 19 THz than the sensitivity of a commercial thermal detector (Golay Cell). The wide frequency band operation is realized with different sets of band-pass filters, which cover the entire range from 3.15 to 29.82 THz except 8.4 THz of the strong absorption peak of DAST. The dynamic range of a THz source based on DFG can be commonly improved by 2–3 orders, by changing the traditional thermal detector with the up-conversion detection. The presented technology can promote the applications of DFG THz source in the fields of high-resolution spectroscopy and imaging.

Understanding the physics of terahertz (THz) wave generation from water is essential for developing liquid THz sources. This letter reports detailed experimental measurements of THz wave emission by focusing intense laser pulses onto water films. The simulation based on a ponderomotive force-induced dipole is supported by the observation of the THz intensity dependence on the laser incidence angle. This work provides fundamental insights into the THz wave generation process in water and an alternative perspective for studying laser-induced breakdown in liquids.

A metallic slot waveguide, with a dielectric strip embedded within, is investigated for the purpose of enhancing the optics-to-THz conversion efficiency using the difference-frequency generation (DFG) process. To describe the frequency conversion process in such lossy waveguides, a fully-vectorial coupled-mode theory is developed. Using the coupled-mode theory, we outline the basic theoretical requirements for efficient frequency conversion, which include the needs to achieve large coupling coefficients, phase matching, and low propagation loss for both the optical and THz waves. Following these requirements, a metallic waveguide is designed by considering the trade-off between modal confinement and propagation loss. Our numerical calculation shows that the conversion efficiency in these waveguide structures can be more than one order of magnitude larger than what has been achieved using dielectric waveguides. Based on the distinct impact of the slot width on the optical and THz modal dispersion, we propose a two-step method to realize the phase matching for general pump wavelengths.

The -carotene is a short chain polyene molecule containing nine -electron conjugated double-bonds. Because of its special molecular structure, -carotene has been used widely in many fields, including functional materials, optoelectronic devices and biological applications of light collection, light protection, anti-cancer, etc. Recently, new applications of -carotene in generation and detection of terahertz (THz) wave have also attracted great attention. In this work, all-trans -carotene films are prepared by spray coating, and the THz spectra in a wavenumber range of 30-400 cm-1 (a frequency range of 0.9-12 THz) of the as-prepared products are experimentally measured at room temperature by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. For comparison, the THz spectra in 0.5-3.0 THz are also characterized at the same temperature by THz time-domain spectroscopy. Based on these measurements, the fingerprint peaks of all-trans -carotene in the THz region are experimentally identified to be located at 54 cm-1 (1.62 THz), 57 cm-1 (1.71 THz), 64 cm-1 (1.91 THz), 77 cm-1 (2.32 THz), 90 cm-1 (2.69 THz), 98 cm-1 (2.95 THz), 115 cm-1 (3.45 THz), 124 cm-1 (3.72 THz), 134 cm-1 (4.02 THz), 170 cm-1 (5.11 THz), 247 cm-1 (7.42 THz), and 279 cm-1 (8.38 THz), respectively. It is worth noting that the recent results about the THz spectra of palm leaves are thus verified. Particularly, the B3 LYP method of density functional theory is further utilized in this work to theoretically simulate the THz spectra of all-trans -carotene molecule. It is revealed that the theoretical simulation results accord well with those experimentally measured data. In addition, we also find that the absorption peaks are caused by the torsion, deformation and rocking vibration of the molecules. Accordingly, the vibrational modes of the measured THz characteristic peaks at 148 cm-1 (4.44 THz), 132 cm-1 (3.96 THz), 115 cm-1 (3.45 THz), 76 cm-1 (2.28 THz) and 52 cm-1 (1.56 THz) are theoretically assigned, which provides a reference to explain the formation mechanism of the THz spectra. The valuable results presented in this work will be helpful for promoting the studies of the THz spectral features and response mechanisms of the organics.

For nonlinear optical materials to be applicable as efficient broadband terahertz (THz) wave generators, low absorption with wide transparency in the THz frequency range is highly important. In this study, we report efficient organic THz wave generators, 2-(4-hydroxystyryl)-1-methylquinolinium 4-bromobenzenesulfonate (OHQ-BBS) single crystals. Interestingly, the OHQ-BBS crystals exhibit a wide molecular vibrational mode-free range in the THz frequency region from 1.7 to 5.1 THz with an absorption coefficient of <20 mm−1. By optical rectification employing 130 fs pump pulses at 1300 nm wavelength, the OHQ-BBS crystals generate extremely broad, dimple-free THz waves in the range of 1.2–5.5 THz. Additionally, a THz electric field that is 20 times higher than the field generated from the widely used ZnTe inorganic crystal is achieved. Therefore, the OHQ-BBS single crystals are highly promising materials for diverse THz photonic applications.

In generation of high-intensity terahertz (THz) waves, the difference frequency generation (DFG) method is a promising approach, but there are challenges such as wavelength selection of the excitation light, spectral width, and the scaling of the light source. To address these issues, we used a degenerate optical parametric system with a multiple reflection Bragg diffraction grating (VBG) to convert the 1064 nm light from an Nd:YAG micro MOPA into two wavelengths, 2126 nm and 2130 nm, with a linewidth of less than 1 nm. We also confirmed the generation of THz waves using this light and demonstrated the amplification of these two wavelengths using PPMgLN.

The ever-growing number of interconnected devices and the emergence of high-bandwidth technologies such as holographic communications in mixed reality are driving an exponential growth in the demand for terabits-per-second (Tbps) data rates with sub-milliseconds latency. For this reason, the sixth-generation (6G) wireless communications are moving towards the terahertz (THz) frequency band because of its wider spectral bandwidth availability to enable higher channel capacity and data rates according to the Shannon-Hartley theorem. However, the efficiency of wireless THz signal transmission is reduced by the increased path loss and atmospheric attenuation due to water vapor absorption at THz frequencies, which significantly decreases the signal-to-noise ratio and the spectral efficiency of THz wireless communications. The realization of THz band communications is further impeded by the limited power output of existing compact THz sources due to the extremely low conversion efficiencies. Therefore, it is crucial to develop broadband THz integrated circuits with waveguiding and beamforming functionalities for supporting high data-rate on-chip communications and to provide sufficient gains to counteract the path loss and limited power of THz wireless transmissions. This thesis aims to improve the spectral efficiency of 6G wireless communications via the spatiotemporal shaping of THz waves using silicon photonics. Spatiotemporal light shaping is the basis of nearly all THz photonic devices, ranging from THz wavefront manipulation using metasurfaces to THz planar waveguiding using photonic crystal waveguides. Silicon photonics is a promising material platform for THz wave shaping due to the low-loss propagation of THz waves in high-resistivity silicon and the prospect of a monolithic integrated circuit due to the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication process compatibility. Silicon metasurfaces allow the wavefront modulation of incident THz radiation by exploiting the generalized Snell’s law of refraction and reflection to beamform highly directional THz waves in a dynamic multi-user communication environment for enhancing the spectral efficiency. Likewise, broadband silicon photonic crystal waveguides allow the in-plane and lossless transport of THz waves to support on-chip high data-rate THz communications that can also seamlessly integrate multiple THz photonic devices in a THz integrated circuit. In addition, silicon electron emitters and silicon gratings potentially allow the on-chip generation of highly intense and broadband THz radiation to counteract the significant THz attenuation. In this thesis, spatiotemporal wave shaping techniques using silicon photonics for enhancing the spectral efficiency of THz band communications is presented. First, a self-adaptive and deep reinforcement learning model for THz beamforming is proposed, which can beamform multiple highly directional THz radiation beam in real-time to serve a dynamically changing multi-user communication environment and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of THz wireless transmission while potentially reducing the communication latency. Second, a broadband THz topological silicon waveguide designed based on valley photonic crystals is proposed for the robust and lossless transport of broadband THz waves for the construction of THz integrated circuits with broadband channel capacity for enabling higher data-rate on-chip communication. Last, the versatility of free-electron radiation from silicon gratings is investigated for the generation of highly intense spatiotemporal wave packets with user-designed group velocities and tunable intensity profile, with the potential to realize integrated high-power THz sources. The deep learning beamforming model, the broadband topological waveguide designs, and the free-electron radiation intensity shaping techniques presented in this thesis extends beyond the THz regime and are scalable across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The CMOS process compatibility of silicon metasurfaces, silicon planar waveguides, along with silicon electron emitters and silicon gratings offers the opportunity to realize a broadband THz photonic integrated circuit with waveguiding, wave generation and beamforming functionalities for enhancing the spectral efficiency of THz communications in 6G wireless networks.

A compact cascaded optical parametric device generating a coherent pulse terahertz (THz) wave is demonstrated. The terahertz parametric oscillator (TPO) and the difference frequency generation (DFG) are designed for cascaded operation use with two outputs producing tunable THz wavelengths. From the first optical parametric device, a TPO with a MgO: LiNbO3 crystal pumped by a Q switch laser of 1.064 μm, 1.8 mJ idler pulse and 5.5 mJ residual pump pulse is obtained. Both of the two beams are employed as the pump and signal beams in the second optical parametric device DFG with a GaSe crystal. More than 0.6 μJ and about 2.1 ns THz pulse at 183 μm is achieved from the DFG. A tunable THz source in the range 104–226 μm via tuning the external phase matching (PM) angles of the TPO and the DFG flexibly under room temperature is obtained. The observed tunable THz wavelengths from the DFG are the same as those from the TPO.

Highly efficient terahertz (THz) wave sources based on the difference frequency generation (DFG) process in nonlinear optical crystals plays an important role for the applications of THz waves. In order to find more novel nonlinear crystals, here, we theoretically investigate the generation of THz waves using the isomorphs of periodically poled KTiOPO4 (PPKTP), including periodically poled RTP, KTA, RTA and CTA. By solving the cascaded difference frequency coupled wave equations, it is found that the intensities of the THz wave generated from the cascaded difference frequency processes are improved by 5.27, 2.87, 2.82, 3.03, and 2.76 times from the non-cascaded cases for KTP, RTP, KTA, RTA and CTA, respectively. The effects of the crystal absorption, the phase mismatch, and the pump intensity are also analyzed in detail. This study might help to provide a stronger THz radiation source based on nonlinear crystals.

A complete analysis of terahertz(THZ) wave generation and detection of silicon nanowire gated field effect transistor (SNFET) is presented in this paper. Based on the developed SNFET THZ device theory, the dependence of THZ detection of SNFET on bias and structure parameters are obtained and illustrated. The THZ generation condition and various unique characteristics are also demonstrated and analyzed in details. The numerical skills utilized in this paper are also described. Based on the developed numerical tool, the evolution processes of plasma wave in generation and detection mode are also presented.

In this paper, the interaction between a gold nanotip and a silver substrate under the terahertz (THz) wave radiation is simulated by a finite difference time domain method and theoretically analyzed from the quasi-static charges model. Results from simulations and theoretical analysis show that with the increase in the distance between the nanotip and the substrate, the maximum electric field intensity on the substrate prominently decreases. With the increase in radius of the nanotip, diameter of the focused THz spot almost linearly increases and the intensity of THz spot also has a slight increase. These results are in agreement with the physical principles of the tip-enhanced near-field optical microscopy (TENOM), which indicates the TENOM technique is also suitable for the THz frequency range.

5 - Nonlinear terahertz photonics

Terahertz (THz) wave generation based on ultrafast laser are one of the most predominant and popular technologies. In particular, for THz generation by photoconductor antenna and optical rectification, higher optical to THz conversion efficiency usually requires ultrafast laser excitation into semiconductor or nonlinear crystal, therefore it is of great desire to develop ultrafast laser with high performance. CW Yb-doped lasers at 980 nm have been applied to generate THz wave range from 0.5 to 6 THz by DFG technique. To meet the demand of some THz wave generation (e.g. BNA crystal, gold nanoplasma), 980 nm ultrafast fiber laser are ideal pump sources and in desire to be developed. Here we demonstrate a 978 nm robust all-polarization-maintaining (PM) picosecond fiber laser mode- locked by phase-biased nonlinear amplifying loop mirror (PB- NALM). By introducing a nonreciprocal - <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pi$</tex-math></inline-formula> /2 phase shifter into the fiber loop, a self-starting stable mode-locking is obtained with the center wavelength of 978.14 nm and a 3-dB bandwidth of 0.43 nm. The pulse duration is 8.1 ps corresponding to the time bandwidth product (TBP) of 1.09. The maximum average output power is 14.5 mW with a repetition rate of 45.438 MHz. After a master oscillator power amplification system, the 978 nm average output power reaches 2.12 W, which is then injected into a PPLN crystal for second harmonic generation and 52 mW 489 nm ultrashort lasers is obtained. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of PB-NALM-based mode-locked fiber laser at 978 nm. The 978 nm ultrafast fiber laser and SHG to 489 nm have great potential in terahertz emission by shorter NIR and blue light.

A tunable nanosource of continuous wave terahertz (THz) radiation based on difference frequency generation is proposed and investigated. In this work, we extend and optimize surface plasmon-polariton waveguides to confine light to nanoscales. This new structure offers many advantages to produce more efficient THz waves with lower loss. The presented calculations for 0.6 THz indicate that THz efficiency is about three times larger (12×10 −4 W −1 from a 1-cm long device) with lower loss. Indeed, air gap distance variations to find the phase matching condition do not affect overlap factor.