Terahertz waves generation using the isomorphs of PPKTP crystal: a theoretical investigation

Abstract

Highly efficient terahertz (THz) wave sources based on difference frequency generation (DFG) process in nonlinear optical crystals play an important role for the applications of THz wave. In order to find more novel nonlinear crystals, here we theoretically investigate the generation of THz wave using the isomorphs of periodically poled KTiOPO 4 (PPKTP), including periodically poled RTP, KTA, RTA and CTA. By solving the cascaded difference frequency coupled wave equations, it is found that the intensities of the THz wave generated from the cascaded difference frequency processes are improved by 5.27, 2.87, 2.82, 3.03, and 2.76 times from the non-cascaded cases for KTP, RTP, KTA, RTA and CTA, respectively. The effects of the crystal absorption, the phase mismatch and the pump intensity are also analyzed in detail. This study might help to provide a stronger THz radiation source based on the nonlinear crystals.