GaP THz wave generator and THz spectrometer using Cr:Forsterite lasers

Abstract

We have developed a type of THz wave generator that uses Cr:Forsterite lasers as the pump and signal sources for difference frequency generation in GaP (Cr:F source system). We confirmed the generation of THz waves in the frequency range from 0.3to7.5THz, which is just similar to that obtained using the THz wave generator previously developed utilizing yttrium aluminum garnet and optical parametric oscillator (OPO) lasers (OPO source system). A peak output power of 100mW was obtained from 1.2to5THz when the power of the two input beams was 3mJ each, similar to the OPO source system. A wide measurable frequency range from below 0.6THz to over 6THz was obtained by using the Cr:F source system as the light source of a spectrometer, which has the merits of simple structure, easy maintenance, and low cost compared with the OPO source system. Although the linewidth of the Cr:F source system is greater than that of the OPO source system, the THz spectrometer still has sufficient resolution for measuring solids or liquids at room temperature.