Free‐space electro‐optic sampling is an alternative method for the characterization of freely propagating terahertz beams with subpicosecond temporal resolution. In contrast to resonant photoconductive dipole antennas, free‐space electro‐optic sampling via the linear electro‐optic effect (Pockels effect) offers a flat frequency response over an ultrawide bandwidth and the potential for a simple cross‐correlation signal of the terahertz and optical pulses. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.