Real-space sampling of terahertz waveforms under scanning tunneling microscope

Abstract: Terahertz scanning tunneling microscopy (THz-STM) has emerged as a potent technique for probing ultrafast nanoscale dynamics with exceptional spatiotemporal precision, whereby the acquisition of THz near-field waveforms holds paramount significance. While substantial efforts have been dedicated to retrieving the waveform utilizing the photoemission current or a molecular sensor, these methods are challenged by intensive thermal effects or complex sample preparations. In this study, we introduce a universal approach for real-time characterization of THz near-field waveforms within the tunnel junction, achieving sub-nanometer spatial resolution. Utilizing the gating mechanism intrinsic to the STM junction, coherent scanning of a gated strong THz pulse over a weak THz pulse is achieved, facilitating direct measurement of the waveform. Notably, employing a custom-built Carrier-Envelope Phase (CEP) shifter, THz-CEP has been successfully characterized in the tunnel junction. Moreover, sub-nanometer spatial resolution of the THz-driven field emission current has been shown, underscoring the nanoscale resolving ability of our methodology. Ultimately, the potential application of this method for local THz time domain spectroscopy imaging has been demonstrated through point-to-point waveform sampling over the Au (111) surface.