Efficient terahertz sources by optical rectification in photonic crystals and metamaterials exploiting tailored transverse dispersion relations

US7421171B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology · US

Inventors

• Mihai Ibanescu · Cambridge, US
• Evan Reed · Pine Island, US
• Peter Rakich · New Haven, US
• Steven G. Johnson · McLeansboro, US
• Erich P. Ippen · Belmont, US
• John D. Joannopoulos · Belmont, US
• Marin Soljacic · Belmont, US
• Rafif E. Hamam · Cambridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 19, 2007
• Grant date: Sep 2, 2008
• Expiry date: Jun 19, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F2203/13
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system and a method for generating terahertz (THz) radiation are provided. The system includes a photonic crystal structure comprising at least one nonlinear material that enables optical rectification. The photonic crystal structure is configured to have the suitable transverse dispersion relations and enhanced density photonic states so as to allow THz radiation to be emitted efficiently when an optical or near infrared pulse travels through the nonlinear part of the photonic crystal.