Enhanced picosecond terahertz wave generation based on cascade effects in a terahertz parametric generator

Abstract

Enhanced terahertz wave generation via Stokes cascaded process has been demonstrated using a picosecond pulse pumped terahertz parametric generation at 1 kHz repetition rate. Clear cascade-saturation of terahertz output was observed, and the corresponded cascade-Stokes spectra were analyzed. The maximum terahertz wave average power was 22 μW under the pump power of 30 W, whereas the maximum power conversion efficiency was 8×10-7 under the pump power of 21 W. The THz power fluctuation was measured to be about 1% in 20 min. This THz parametric source with a relative stable output is suitable for a variety of practical applications.