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Terahertz Crystals

Terahertz crystals enable the generation, manipulation, and detection of terahertz (THz) radiation, bridging infrared and microwave frequencies. Essential for spectroscopy, imaging, and communications, they operate in the 0.1 to 10 THz range.

comparison table

Crystal
Wavelength Range (μm)
Refractive Index
Key Features
Application

GaSe

0.65 - 20
2.7
High nonlinear coefficient, broad transparency, phase matching, mechanically fragile
THz generation, spectroscopy, biomedical imaging, material characterization.

ZnTe

0.8 - 25
2.85
Excellent electro-optic and nonlinear properties, high damage threshold, robust
THz generation and detection, time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS), telecom

SBN

0.4 - 3.5
2.3
High electro-optic coefficient, ferroelectric, wide transparency range
THz wave modulation, high-resolution spectroscopy, and THz imaging

Fe:LiNbO₃

0.4 - 5
2.2
Enhanced photorefractive properties, broad transparency, high nonlinear coefficient
Optical rectification, THz imaging, ultrafast spectroscopy, photorefractive holography

BSO

0.4 - 3.5
2.54
Strong photorefractive and electro-optic properties, durable for harsh environments
THz imaging, spectroscopy, real-time industrial sensing

LiNbO₃

0.4 - 5
2.2
Exceptional nonlinear and electro-optic properties, broad transparency, high damage threshold
THz generation via optical rectification, spectroscopy, telecommunications, biomedical imaging

Key Insights

  • Wavelength Coverage

    GaSe offers the broadest range (0.65–20 µm), while others like LiNbO₃ and Fe:LiNbO₃ provide strong performance in the near- to mid-infrared.

  • Nonlinear Efficiency

    GaSe and ZnTe excel in nonlinear applications like frequency mixing and optical rectification.

  • Specialized Applications

    SBN and BSO are uniquely suited for THz wave modulation and high-resolution imaging.

  • Material Robustness

    ZnTe and BSO are more robust and can withstand harsh conditions, unlike the mechanically fragile GaSe.

Gallium Selenide (GaSe)

GaSe is a layered compound with outstanding properties for nonlinear optical applications. It is widely used for terahertz generation and detection due to its high nonlinear coefficient and broad transmission range of 0.65 to 20 µm. GaSe exhibits strong phase-matching capabilities, making it ideal for frequency mixing and optical rectification. However, its mechanical fragility requires careful handling during fabrication and integration. Applications include THz spectroscopy, biomedical imaging, and material characterization, where efficient THz wave generation is essential.
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Zinc Telluride (ZnTe)

ZnTe is a popular terahertz crystal known for its excellent electro-optic and nonlinear properties. It has a transmission range spanning from 0.8 µm to 25 µm and supports terahertz wave generation and detection through optical rectification and electro-optic sampling. ZnTe offers robustness and versatility, making it ideal for compact THz systems in industrial sensing, telecommunications, and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Its high damage threshold also ensures reliable performance under high-intensity laser conditions.
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Strontium Barium Niobate (SBN)

SBN is a ferroelectric crystal with excellent photorefractive and electro-optic properties, making it a versatile choice for terahertz applications. SBN exhibits a wide transparency range and a high electro-optic coefficient, suitable for terahertz wave modulation and generation. Its applications extend to THz imaging, frequency conversion, and high-resolution spectroscopy. SBN is a robust and efficient solution for systems requiring stable and efficient THz wave manipulation.
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Iron-Doped Lithium Niobate (Fe:LiNbO₃ )

Fe:LiNbO₃ is an iron-doped version of Lithium Niobate (LiNbO₃), offering enhanced photorefractive properties. This crystal is known for its broad transparency range (0.4 to 5 µm) and high nonlinear coefficient. Fe:LiNbO₃ is widely used in terahertz wave generation via optical rectification and in photorefractive holography. Its key applications include THz imaging and ultrafast spectroscopy, particularly in systems demanding high sensitivity and precision.
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Bismuth Silicon Oxide (BSO)

BSO is known for its photorefractive and electro-optic properties. It is particularly suitable for applications requiring high-resolution imaging and precise wave modulation. BSO has a wide transparency range and is highly durable, making it suitable for use in harsh environments. Applications include terahertz imaging systems, spectroscopy, and real-time sensing for industrial and scientific research.
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Lithium Niobate (LiNbO₃)

LiNbO₃ is valued for its exceptional nonlinear optical and electro-optic properties. It supports terahertz wave generation through optical rectification and can be employed in a variety of THz devices. With a broad transparency range (0.4 to 5 µm) and high optical damage threshold, LiNbO₃ is suitable for spectroscopy, telecommunications, and biomedical imaging. Its versatility and reliability make it a cornerstone material in terahertz technology.
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