Abstract

The quadratic electro-optic effect (Kerr effect) is shown to be efficiently induced by a terahertz (THz) electric field in the quasi-two-dimensional (2D) material MnPS₃. The waveform of the THz-induced response practically follows the intensity of the employed nearly single-cycle THz pulse. While neither THz-induced absorption nor the linear electro-optical effect are observed, we demonstrate that the THz electric field induces the refraction coefficient anisotropy experienced by light at the wavelength of 800 nm. In our experiment, the anisotropy results in polarization rotation of the light and corresponds to a nonlinear refractive index of the sample of approximately 13.1 × 10⁻¹⁴ W⁻¹ cm². This promotes the quasi-2D MnPS₃ as a promising candidate for practical application in future ultrafast electro-optical devices.

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