Concepts and Applications of Nonlinear Terahertz Spectroscopy

Terahertz (THz) radiation with frequencies between 100 GHz and 30 THz has numerous applications in basic science, materials characterization, imaging, sensor technologies, and telecommunications. Recent progress in THz generation has provided ultrashort THz pulses with electric field amplitudes of up to several megavolts/cm. This development has opened the research field of nonlinear THz spectroscopy in which strong light-matter interactions are exploited to induce quantum excitations and/or charge transport and follow their nonequilibrium dynamics in time-resolved experiments. This book introduces the basic concepts of light-matter interactions and nonlinear optics, discusses methods of THz generation and nonlinear THz spectroscopy, and presents prototypical experimental and theoretical results in condensed matter physics and chemistry. Each chapter includes an overview of recent literature. Key Features: Introduces methods of THz generation and nonlinear THz spectroscopy in a tutorial way Discusses the relevant theoretical concepts Presents prototypical, experimental, and theoretical results in condensed matter physics. Illustrates the potential of nonlinear THz spectroscopy by recent research, including an overview of the relevant literature. Includes a new chapter with insight into basic molecular phenomena.