Vector measurement and performance tuning of a terahertz bottle beam

A terahertz (THz) bottle beam is realized by adopting the combination of a Teflon axicon and a silicon lens. By using a THz imaging system with a focal-plane array, the vector characteristics of the THz bottle beam are coherently measured and detailedly analyzed, including the transverse (E(x)) and longitudinal (E(z)) components. The experimental phenomena vividly reveal the distribution characteristics and the formation origin of the THz optical barrier. A vectorial diffraction integral algorithm of a focusing optical system are utilized to exactly simulate the measured results. Besides, the features of the THz bottle beam are effectively tuned by varying the parameters of the Teflon axicon and the silicon lens. This work gives a full view to understand the evolution characteristics of the THz bottle beam and provide a solid experimental foundation for guiding the future applications of this type of THz beam.