Comprehensive characterization of terahertz generation with the organic crystal BNA

We characterize the terahertz (THz) generation of N-benzyl-2-methyl-4-nitroaniline (BNA), with crystals ranging in thickness from 123 to 700 mu m. We compare excitation using 800 nm and 1250 to 1500 nm wavelengths. Pumping BNA with 800 nm wavelengths and longer near-infrared wavelengths results in a broad spectrum, producing out to 6 THz using a 100 fs pump, provided the BNA crystal is thin enough. similar to 200 mu m or thinner crystals are required to produce a broad spectrum with an 800 nm pump, whereas similar to 300 mu m thick crystals are optimal for broadband THz generation using the longer wavelengths. We report the favorable THz generation and optical characteristics of our BNA crystals that make them attractive for broadband, high-field THz generation, and we also compare differences in THz properties relative to BNA characteristics reported in other works. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America

Automated summary

We studied the terahertz generation and optical characteristics of BNA crystals of varying thicknesses at different wavelengths, finding that the optimal crystal thickness for broadband THz generation varies. We also compared differences in THz properties related to BNA characteristics reported in other works.