Si-prism-array coupled terahertz-wave parametric oscillator with pump light totally reflected at the terahertz-wave exit surface.

A Si-prism-array coupled terahertz (THz)-wave parametric oscillator with the pump totally reflected at the THz-wave exit surface (PR-Si-TPO) is demonstrated by manufacturing an 800 nm air gap between the crystal and the Si-prism array. Influence on the total reflection of the pump from the Si prisms is eliminated and efficient coupling of the THz wave is ensured by using this air gap. When the THz-wave frequency varies from 1.8 to 2.3 THz, compared with a Si-prism-array coupled TPO (Si-TPO) with the pump transmitting through the crystal directly, the THz-wave output energy is enhanced by 20-50 times, and the oscillating threshold is reduced by 10%-35%. Furthermore, the high end of the THz-wave frequency tuning range of the PR-Si-TPO is expanded to 3.66 THz compared with 2.5 THz for the Si-TPO.