Direct Wavefront Measurement of Terahertz Pulses Using Two-Dimensional Electro-Optic Imaging

We report on the development of a wavefront sensor for terahertz pulses using a direct two-dimensional electro-optic imaging system composed of a ZnTe crystal and a CMOS camera. By measuring the phase variation of the terahertz electric field in the crystal plane, we are able to reconstruct the terahertz (THz) wavefront in order to determine the optical aberrations of the optical system. Associated with deformable mirrors or specifically designed optics, the sensor will open the route to terahertz adaptive optics.