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Coherent manipulation of second-harmonic generation via terahertz-field mediated phonon-polariton in zinc oxide

Author

Listed:
  • Yifei Fang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jiajing Hao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jianhua Sang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jixing Gao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Liwei Song

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ye Tian

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ruxin Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Zhangjiang Laboratory)

Abstract

The coherent control of phonon polaritons (PhPs) in holds transformative potential for nonlinear photonics. We demonstrate terahertz-driven excitation of low-frequency PhPs in zinc oxide (ZnO) crystals, with their nonlinear dynamics resolved via time-resolved second harmonic generation (SHG) spectroscopy. By achieving phase matching via nine sequential reflections within a millimeter-scale crystal, we observe sustained SHG oscillations with 3-4 THz modulation frequencies, achieving optimal extinction ratios of ~18 dB that persist for 90 picoseconds—a temporal span directly governed by polariton propagation dynamics. This work establishes a dual-functionality platform enabling spectral-temporal resolved mapping of quasiparticle interaction dynamics while simultaneously advancing polariton-engineered nonlinear optical modulators through symmetry-broken frequency conversion architectures.

Suggested Citation

  • Yifei Fang & Jiajing Hao & Jianhua Sang & Jixing Gao & Liwei Song & Ye Tian & Ruxin Li, 2025. "Coherent manipulation of second-harmonic generation via terahertz-field mediated phonon-polariton in zinc oxide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60851-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60851-w
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