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Terahertz-slicing - an all-optical synchronization for 4th generation light sources
Optics Express
|October 14, 2022
Summary
A novel method synchronizes accelerator light sources with lasers using intense terahertz pulses for precise femtosecond timing. This breakthrough enables advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques with unprecedented accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Synchronizing accelerator-based light sources with external lasers is crucial for advanced experiments.
- Existing synchronization methods face limitations in precision and complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new concept for synchronizing accelerator-based light sources and external laser systems.
- To achieve femtosecond-level synchronization for enhanced experimental capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing intense single-cycle terahertz pulses from an accelerator to "slice" a femtosecond portion of a picosecond laser pulse.
- Employing an electro-optic crystal for the slicing process.
- Demonstrating synchronization using three benchmark experiments.
Main Results:
- Achieved precise synchronization of the order of 10 femtoseconds (fs).
- Enabled real-time lock-in amplifier signal demodulation.
- Successfully operated the concept with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, terahertz high harmonic generation spectroscopy, and terahertz scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy.
Conclusions:
- The presented concept offers a new and effective approach for synchronizing light sources.
- The demonstrated precision opens possibilities for advanced real-time measurements.
- The method's versatility is confirmed by its successful application in diverse spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.
