Abstract-Ultrafast imaging of terahertz Cherenkov waves and transition-like radiation in LiNbO3

Ultrafast imaging of terahertz Cherenkov waves and transition-like radiation in LiNbO3 Zhenyou Wang, FuHai Su, and Frank A. Hegmann  »View Author Affiliations

Optics Express, Vol. 23, Issue 6, pp. 8073-8086 (2015)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.23.008073

http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?uri=oe-23-6-8073

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We use ultrafast phase-contrast imaging to directly observethe cone-like terahertz (THz) Cherenkov wave generated by optical rectification of femtosecond laser pulses focused into bulk lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) single crystals. The transverse imaging geometry allows the Cherenkov angle, THz wave velocity, and optical pump pulse group velocity to be measured. Furthermore, transition-like THz radiation generated by the femtosecond laser pulse at the air-crystal boundary is observed. The effect of optical pump pulse polarization on the generation of THz Cherenkov waves and transition-like radiation in LiNbO₃is also investigated.

© 2015 Optical Society of America