Nonlinear generation of terahertz radiation in bulk, periodically and aperiodically poled lithium niobate

Different methods of optical THz generation in pure and MgO-doped lithium niobate crystals using nonlinear methods and fs-laser radiation are reported. The concepts discussed here include optical rectification (OR) and generation of Cherenkov radiation in bulk and periodically poled lithium niobate as well as the use of slanted and aperiodically poled crystals. The experimental realization as well as a detailed theoretical treatment of the various concepts will be presented. Characteristic properties like average output power, pulse length, bandwidth and tunability will be discussed. In addition the power scalability and physical limitations of the different concepts will be compared in detail.