High-sensitivity detection of terahertz waves using nonlinear up-conversion in an organic 4-dimethylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazolium tosylate crystal

Abstract

We achieved high-sensitivity, rapid-response detection of terahertz (THz) waves using an organic nonlinear optical crystal, 4-dimethylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST). Nonlinear up-conversion in the crystal resulted in a shift of THz waves to near-infrared radiation at room temperature. A minimum THz-wave peak power of about 300 μW was measured at 19.2 THz by detecting the up-converted optical signal with an InGaAs-based photodetector. A noise equivalent power of about 6 nW/Hz1/2 was estimated in this experiment. Optimum conditions were obtained for THz-wave detection using a DAST crystal.