Terahertz Crystals Library

A Comprehensive Guide

Terahertz Crystals are advanced materials that enable the generation, manipulation, and detection of terahertz (THz) radiation, bridging the gap between infrared and microwave frequencies.

Overview of Terahertz Crystals

Terahertz Crystals are critical for applications in spectroscopy, imaging, and communications, operating within the terahertz frequency range of 0.1 to 10 THz. These crystals serve as the backbone for devices that exploit terahertz radiation due to their ability to generate and detect THz waves effectively. At Photonics On Crystals (POC), we offer a comprehensive Terahertz Crystals library designed to provide customers with a clear understanding of these materials, guiding them toward selecting the most suitable crystal for their specific application needs. Our expertise in fabrication and engineering ensures that all our terahertz crystals are of the highest quality and tailored to meet stringent industrial, scientific, and technological demands. This page serves as an essential resource for exploring crystal specifications, key features, and application suitability, empowering customers to make informed decisions.

Here’s a detailed comparison table of the Terahertz Crystals based on their key specifications and features:

CrystalKey FeaturesWavelength RangeRefractive IndexApplications
GaSe (Gallium Selenide)High nonlinear coefficient, broad transparency, phase matching, mechanically fragile.0.65–20 µm~2.7THz generation, spectroscopy, biomedical imaging, material characterization.
ZnTe (Zinc Telluride)Excellent electro-optic and nonlinear properties, high damage threshold, robust.0.8–25 µm~2.85THz generation and detection, time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS), telecom.
SBN (Strontium Barium Niobate)High electro-optic coefficient, ferroelectric, wide transparency range.0.4–3.5 µm~2.3THz wave modulation, high-resolution spectroscopy, and THz imaging.
Fe:LiNbO₃ (Iron-Doped Lithium Niobate)Enhanced photorefractive properties, broad transparency, high nonlinear coefficient.0.4–5 µm~2.2Optical rectification, THz imaging, ultrafast spectroscopy, photorefractive holography.
BSO (Bismuth Silicon Oxide)Strong photorefractive and electro-optic properties, durable for harsh environments.0.4–3.5 µm~2.54THz imaging, spectroscopy, real-time industrial sensing.
LiNbO₃ (Lithium Niobate)Exceptional nonlinear and electro-optic properties, broad transparency, high damage threshold.0.4–5 µm~2.2THz generation via optical rectification, spectroscopy, telecommunications, biomedical imaging.

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.

GaSe Crystal (Gallium Selenide)

Gallium Selenide (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.

ZnTe Crystal (Zinc Telluride)

Zinc Telluride (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.

SBN (Strontium Barium Niobate)

Strontium Barium Niobate (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.

Fe:LiNbO₃ Crystal (Iron-Doped Lithium Niobate)

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.

BSO Crystals (Bismuth Silicon Oxide)

Bismuth Silicon Oxide (BSO) is a versatile terahertz crystal 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.

LiNbO₃ Crystal (Lithium Niobate)

Lithium Niobate (LiNbO₃) is a widely used terahertz crystal, 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.

Key Advantages of Photonics On Crystals (POC):

  • Precision Engineering: All terahertz crystals are fabricated with high precision and superior optical quality.
  • Wide Range of Applications: Crystals tailored for spectroscopy, imaging, telecommunications, and industrial sensing.
  • Customization: Custom solutions designed to meet specific customer requirements.
  • Technical Expertise: POC provides technical support and consultancy to optimize crystal performance in THz applications.

By leveraging POC’s Terahertz Crystals library, customers gain access to high-quality materials, expert guidance, and innovative solutions tailored to cutting-edge terahertz technologies.