Free-space electro-optics sampling of mid-infrared pulses

Abstract

We report on the coherent detection of ultra-broadband mid-infrared electromagnetic pulses using a 30-μm-thick ZnTe electro-optic sensor. The detected frequency spectrum exceeds 37 THz, extending from microwave to the mid-infrared. The frequency response can be further improved by reducing the sensor thickness to 10 μm.