Terahertz frequency characterization of anisotropic structure of tourmaline

The absorption coefficient and refractive index of tourmaline in different directions were characterized for the first time using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Results show that the absorption and refractive index of terahertz frequency are related to the structure of tourma- line. Absorption along the optical axis direction is more sensitive than that along the vertical direction. This result indicates that the identification and characterization of crystals as well as minerals can be realized by the terahertz method.