Terahertz generation of two methoxy stilbazolium crystals: MBST and MBSC

Optical rectification of nonlinear optical organic crystals has been widely employed to obtain terahertz (THz) frequencies with simple laser setups. Red organic crystals like DAST, DSTMS, and OH1 have generated intense THz pulses with peak electric fields up to a few megavolts per cm. Other newer organic crystals such as HMQ-TMS and EHPSI-4NBS have shown similar performance.Recently, the yellow organic crystals BNA and HMI-TMS have drawn attention due to improved phase matching conditions compared with red crystals in the technologically important 800 nm wavelength. This light is usually obtained with widely available Ti:Sapphire lasers and therefore, the development of materials that can efficiently generate THz with these sources is of high scientific interest. In this article, we introduce the THz generation capabilities of two yellow crystals, namely, MBST and MBSC. Electric fields of similar magnitude compared to the organic generator HMQ-TMS were obtained when MBST and MBSC crystals were pumped with 800-nm light. The THz absorption profile and crystal growth are also discussed to introduce new insights in how to improve the THz output of MBST and MBSC. •The organic NLO crystals MBST and MBSC show perfect alignment for THz generation.•THz generation of MSBT is comparable to HMQ-TMS with 800-nm pump.•Growth of the 001 MBST face could expand its application to other pump wavelengths.