Dynamic optically induced planar terahertz quasioptics

Optical control of the propagation direction of a terahertz pulse inside an optically transparent parallel plate waveguide is demonstrated by patterned charge carrier photoexcitation of a silicon slab embedded within the waveguide. It is shown experimentally and through finite element simulations that photoexcitations with sufficient conductivity can induce a partial reflection, capable of steering the pulse inside the two-dimensional waveguide.

A beamsplitter is demonstrated as proof of principle and is used to delay the arrival of the reflected terahertz pulse at the detector by several picoseconds by moving the excitation in the plane.