High-Repetition-Rate, widely tunable, injection-seeded terahertz-wave parametric generator

We have developed a record high-repetition-rate terahertz-wave parametric generator using MgO:LiNbO
₃
. The generator is pumped using a post-amplified, sub-nanosecond, and passively Q-switched SESAM microchip laser running with a 100 kHz repetition frequency. A double-pass dual-end-pumped Nd:YVO
₄
amplifier was developed and the microchip laser output was efficiently amplified between 5 mW-4.4 W. This high-repetition-rate amplified pump source allows high-intensity pumping without damage to the nonlinear crystal. Consequently, we have succeeded in generating monochromatic terahertz waves with a repetition-rate a thousand times higher than that of a conventional terahertz-wave parametric generator. The average power and the pulse width of the terahertz waves were ~10 μW and 73 ps, respectively. The tunable frequency was confirmed to be in the range 1.0-2.8 THz.