Progress in Research on Strong Field Terahertz Light Sources Based on Organic Crystals by Shanghai Institute of Optics and Mechanics

Recently, the State Key Laboratory of Intense Field Laser Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics has made progress in the research of intense field terahertz light sources based on organic crystals. The relevant research results are titled Generation and characterization of intensive terahertz pulses from DSTMS crystal and published in Optics Express.

Terahertz waves have significant value in basic scientific research and information applications due to their unique frequency and time characteristics. When the terahertz field strength reaches the MV/cm level, ultrafast regulation of material properties can be achieved, including regulating basic physical properties such as electrons, phonons, spin, and inducing material phase transitions. For a long time, the lack of technology for generating strong field terahertz waves has been the main factor limiting their widespread application. With the development of laser technology, the optical rectification effect in ultra short pulse laser driven crystals provides a reliable solution for the generation of strong field terahertz waves.

This work is based on the comprehensive experimental device of the new generation ultra strong and ultra short pulse laser at Shanghai Institute of Optics and Mechanics. It utilizes high-energy infrared laser to drive organic crystal DSTMS to undergo optical rectification effect. By optimizing phase matching conditions, a single pulse energy of 175 is obtained μ J. A strong field terahertz wave with a peak field strength of 17MV/cm has an energy conversion efficiency of 2% and a spectral coverage of 0.1-4.5THz. Researchers systematically analyzed the time-domain, frequency-domain, and pump power density dependence of terahertz waves using methods such as electro-optical sampling and spectrum analysis. This work has promoted the research of strong field light sources in the terahertz band, providing excellent driving light sources for the regulation of strong field terahertz physical properties.

The research work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the instrument and equipment development project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the talent introduction plan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the youth team plan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to stably support basic research.

Source: Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences