Single-shot measurement of terahertz electromagnetic pulses by use of electro-optic sampling.

We demonstrate a simple scheme for capturing the temporal waveforms of a freely propagating terahertz electromagnetic transient in a single shot. The method relies on electro-optic sampling in a noncollinear geometry for the terahertz radiation and the visible probe beam, coupled with multichannel detection. The approach provides time resolution that is comparable to that of conventional electro-optic sampling measurements. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 320.7100, 250.0250.