Abstract

Recently, generation of ultrafast terahertz (THz) radiation using femtosecond lasers has attracted much attention for a variety of potential applications [1-2]. In this contribution, we present a technique for manipulating ultrafast THz electromagnetic waveforms through optical pulse shaping. By using a programmable pulse shaper to design optical excitation pulses, we have demonstrated our ability for controlling the amplitude and phase of THz waveforms, or time-division multiplexing terabit signals at THz frequencies. Meanwhile, we have shown that we can increase the generation efficiency of narrowband THz radiation by overcoming saturation effects through multiple optical pulse excitation. This scheme also allows us to generate high power, tunable narrow-band THz radiation.

© 1996 Optical Society of America