Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
We demonstrate the Kerr-effect induced by the electric field of single-cycle THz pulses in the relaxor ferroelectrics potassium-tantalum niobate KTa1-xNbxO3 (KTN) and K1-yLiyTa1-xNbxO3 (KLTN). We find a slow orientational relaxation with a time constant of 6 ps in KTN with x=1.8% at room temperature, that decreases upon approaching the transition temperature.