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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Design, Fabrication, and Experimental Characterization of Plasmonic Photoconductive Terahertz Emitters
10:54

Design, Fabrication, and Experimental Characterization of Plasmonic Photoconductive Terahertz Emitters

Published on: July 8, 2013

Prism coupling to terahertz surface plasmon polaritons.

John O'Hara, Richard Averitt, Antoinette Taylor

    Optics Express
    |June 6, 2009
    PubMed
    Summary

    Silicon prisms efficiently couple terahertz (THz) radiation into surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) using edge-diffraction and hump-coupling. This method shows promise for THz applications due to its surface sensitivity.

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    Area of Science:

    • Physics
    • Optics
    • Materials Science

    Background:

    • Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic waves that propagate along the interface between a metal and a dielectric.
    • Coupling free-space terahertz (THz) radiation to SPPs is crucial for various THz applications, but efficient coupling methods are challenging.
    • Understanding the mechanisms of THz-SPP coupling is essential for optimizing device performance.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate and demonstrate efficient coupling of free-space broadband terahertz radiation into surface plasmon polariton modes on metal surfaces.
    • To identify the primary mechanisms responsible for THz-SPP coupling, distinguishing between edge-diffraction, hump-coupling, and attenuated total reflection.
    • To assess the energy efficiency of the coupling and decoupling process and explore the utility of THz SPPs for sensing applications.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized silicon prisms to couple broadband terahertz (THz) radiation to polished metal surfaces.
    • Analyzed coupling mechanisms, focusing on edge-diffraction and hump-coupling, while ruling out attenuated total reflection.
    • Measured the energy efficiency of coupling and decoupling a broadband, single-cycle SPP pulse.
    • Investigated the interaction of THz SPPs with thin plastic films to evaluate surface sensitivity.

    Main Results:

    • Demonstrated coupling of free-space broadband THz waves into SPP modes via edge-diffraction and hump-coupling.
    • Confirmed that attenuated total reflection is not a significant coupling mechanism for this configuration.
    • Achieved an energy efficiency of approximately 3.5% for coupling and decoupling broadband, single-cycle SPP pulses.
    • Observed strong surface sensitivity when measuring SPPs transmitted through thin plastic films.

    Conclusions:

    • Silicon prisms effectively couple THz radiation to SPPs through specific mechanisms like edge-diffraction and hump-coupling.
    • The demonstrated THz-SPP coupling method exhibits significant surface sensitivity, making it suitable for sensing applications.
    • Further research into THz SPP configurations can enhance their utility in various scientific and technological fields.

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    Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

    Design, Fabrication, and Experimental Characterization of Plasmonic Photoconductive Terahertz Emitters
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