Photonic THz radiation for applications in fundamental and applied research

In this paper we describe the generation of terahertz radiation using different photonic techniques. The methods discussed here include surface emission from semiconductor surfaces in an external magnetic field as well as nonlinear generation in lithium niobate crystals, in particular, Cherenkov radiation and optical rectification in unpoled and poled lithium niobate (PPLN). Typical applications utilizing THz radiation generated with these methods are presented. The applications range from fundamental research (excitation and propagation of surface plasmon polaritons on periodic conducting structures) to sensor devices (THz wave guide sensor) for biomolecules