Influence of magnetic field on terahertz wave generation in photorefractive periodically poled lithium niobate crystal

Abstract

By employing femtosecond pump-probe configuration, we successfully realized narrowband terahertz wave generation and detection in both photorefractive periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) and periodically poled Mg : LiNb 3 (PP-Mg:LN) crystal. Using an applied magnetic field, we achieved modulation of the terahertz wave in a photorefractive PPLN crystal. The terahertz wave depends strongly on the magnitude of the applied magnetic field in the photorefractive PPLN crystal. Terahertz wave independence of the magnetic field in PP-Mg:LN crystal was also identified. The interaction of the magnetic field and photorefractive PPLN crystal is believed to occur due to the Lorentz force, which results in the buildup of a space-charge field in a photorefractive PPLN crystal. © 2011 Optical Society of America.