Photoconductive generation and detection of THz-bandwidth pulses using near-field coupling to a free-space metallic slit waveguide

THz-bandwidth pulses are generated, transmitted along a gold-plated stainless steel metallic slit waveguide, and detected with a 1.5 THz bandwidth and 60 dB dynamic range. The source and detector were edge-pumped slotlines on LT-GaAs placed within the near-field region of the waveguide entrance and exit aperture. The motivation for this work was to develop a complete dispersion-free THz system which was simple to manufacture and could be utilized for free-space waveguide experimentation. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America