Generation and detection of terahertz radiation by electro-optical process in GaAs using 1.56 μm fiber laser pulses

We report the generation and detection of a terahertz wave with a nonresonant electro-optical crystal using 1.56 mum femtosecond laser pulses. Using a 0.5-mm-thick (110)-oriented GaAs wafer for optical rectification and electro-optical modulation, we detected spectral sensitivity below 3 THz. We also estimated the availability of GaAs from the viewpoint of an electro-optical coefficient and phase match condition. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.