Generation of 17-32 THz radiation from a CdSiP₂ crystal

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear Optics
• Solid-State Physics
• Terahertz Spectroscopy

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) radiation generation is crucial for spectroscopy and imaging.
• Intra-pulse difference frequency generation (DFG) is a nonlinear optical process for THz generation.
• Chalcopyrite crystals offer unique nonlinear optical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the generation of phase-resolved electric field pulses in the THz regime.
• To explore the use of cadmium silicon phosphide (CdSiP2) for THz radiation production.
• To analyze factors influencing the generated THz signal.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a (110) CdSiP2 chalcopyrite crystal.
• Employed intra-pulse difference frequency generation (DFG), a second-order nonlinear optical process.
• Characterized the generated electric field pulses in the picosecond and terahertz (17-32 THz) ranges.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced phase-resolved electric field pulses with durations of several picoseconds.
• Observed THz radiation in the 17-32 THz spectral range.
• Identified influences of single- and two-phonon absorption and nonlinear phase-matching on the DFG signal.

Conclusions:

• This study demonstrates the first use of a CdSiP2 crystal for generating THz radiation in the 17-32 THz range.
• The findings highlight the potential of CdSiP2 for advanced THz applications.
• Understanding the influencing factors is key for optimizing THz pulse generation.