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Title: Competition between linear and nonlinear processes during generation of pulsed terahertz radiation in a ZnTe crystal

Journal Article · · Quantum Electronics (Woodbury, N.Y.)
;  [1]; ;  [2]; ; ;  [3]
  1. Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev (Ukraine)
  2. International Laser Center, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow (Russian Federation)
  3. Department of Physics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow (Russian Federation)

The generation of terahertz (THz) pulses by the optical rectification of femtosecond laser pulses in a ZnTe crystal is studied. A substantial decrease in the THz radiation power was observed upon tight focusing of laser radiation into the crystal. It is shown that the consideration of competing two-photon absorption and second-harmonic generation processes proceeding simultaneously with optical rectification cannot explain this effect even qualitatively. It is assumed that the observed decrease in the THz radiation power is caused by a decrease in the size of a source of nonlinear polarisation. The conditions are found for the most efficient generation of THz radiation in the ZnTe crystal. (nonlinear optical phenomena)

OSTI ID:
21470755
Journal Information:
Quantum Electronics (Woodbury, N.Y.), Vol. 35, Issue 5; Other Information: DOI: 10.1070/QE2005v035n05ABEH002805; ISSN 1063-7818
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English