Low-loss terahertz ribbon waveguides

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics
• Materials Science
• Photonics

Background:

• The terahertz (THz) band remains largely unexplored due to the lack of efficient low-loss guiding structures.
• Conventional microwave and optical components suffer from high losses in the THz regime, hindering practical applications.
• Existing THz waveguides, including surface plasmon polariton types, are too lossy for long-distance transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a new family of ultra-low-loss ribbon-based guide structures and components for THz signal propagation.
• To address the limitations of current THz guiding technologies.
• To enable the development of practical THz integrated circuits and interconnects.

Main Methods:

• Conceptualization and design of ribbon-based dielectric waveguide structures.
• Development of matching components for efficient power coupling and signal routing.
• Analysis of attenuation constants, bends, branches, and circuit element integration.

Main Results:

• The proposed ribbon-based waveguide exhibits an attenuation constant over 100 times lower than conventional waveguides for straight runs.
• Demonstrated feasibility of efficient coupling, low-loss bends, and branches.
• Identified potential for integrating active circuit elements and high-power carrying capability.

Conclusions:

• Ribbon-based dielectric waveguides represent a significant advancement for THz wave propagation.
• These structures can serve as fundamental building blocks for next-generation ultra-high-speed THz electronic integrated circuits and interconnects.
• The technology overcomes major limitations in current THz guiding, paving the way for new applications.