Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Simulation, Fabrication and Characterization of THz Metamaterial Absorbers
Published on: December 27, 2012
Modeling of the frequency- and temperature-dependent absorption coefficient of long-wave-infrared (2-25 microm)
Daniel V Hahn1, Michael E Thomas, David W Blodgett
1Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, Maryland 20723-6099, USA. daniel.hahn@jhuapl.edu
Abstract:
A semiempirical multiphonon model based on quantum-mechanical oscillators under a Morse potential is applied to the absorption coefficient of far-infrared transmitting materials. Known material properties are combined with absorption coefficient data to fit the empirical parameters of the model. This provides an accurate means of predicting the intrinsic absorption of the materials in their multiphonon regions. Extinction data are obtained by measuring material transmittances with a Fourier-transform spectrometer and comparing them with the lossless transmittances predicted by Sellmeier models. Where appropriate, scatter models are used to separate the extinction into loss due to scatter and absorption. Data and model parameters are presented for GaAs, GaP, ZnS, and ZnSe.
Related Concept Videos
Absorption of Radiation
Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Overview
Different compounds display unique properties due to their...
IR Spectrum
Transmittance is defined as the ratio of the radiant power passing through a sample to that from the radiation's source. Multiplying the transmittance by 100 gives the percent transmittance (%T), which varies between 100% (no absorption) and 0% (complete...
Conduction, Convection and Radiation: Problem Solving
In order to solve a problem related to heat transfer, first of all, the situation needs to be examined to determine the type of heat transfer involved. This could...
Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Infrared Spectroscopy: Overview
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...
IR Spectrometers

