THz near-field measurements of metal structures

Abstract

We report on electro-optic measurements of THz electric fields in the near-field of metal structures lying on GaP electro-optic sampling crystals. With (110) oriented crystals, the x or y component of the THz electric field is measured, whereas with a (001) oriented crystal, the z-component is measured. With an estimated spatial resolution of 20 mu m, the technique allows us to map the field on a scale, orders of magnitude smaller than the spatial dimensions of these structures. We illustrate the technique by showing results of measurements of the THz electric field in a plane underneath a metal sphere and a single square hole in a metal foil. The technique provides us with a wealth of information on the time-evolution of light fields near metal structures.