Ultrafast optoelectronics using nonlinear optics

We discuss the development and characteristics of a THz spectroscopy system based on a combination of this optical rectification process and electro-optic sampling. One of the key considerations to be examined concerns the role of phase-matching of the interactions and how this may best be achieved. In addition, we will present recent results in which optical rectification was exploited in a crystal integrated into directly into a transmission line structure. This scheme offers the inherent speed of the optical rectification process, while producing a pulse suitable for circuit applications.