Terahertz waveform generation for S21-parameter measurements using a fiber-coupled optical pulse shaper

A THz time-domain spectroscopy-based vector network analyzer for S21-parameter measurements is presented providing THz waveforms as input signal for waveguide-coupled devices under test. We integrate an optical pulse shaper into the emitter arm and fiber-couple the photoconductive antennas to allow for flexible usage. The pulse-shaping capabilities are demonstrated by realizing all 5 bit combinations of a 0.5 THz signal. Furthermore, we can set the center wavelength of the resulting THz spectrum. Finally, we apply the shaped THz waveforms to test the response of a low-noise amplifier.