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Design, Fabrication, and Experimental Characterization of Plasmonic Photoconductive Terahertz Emitters
Published on: July 8, 2013
Domino plasmons for subwavelength terahertz circuitry.
D Martin-Cano1, M L Nesterov, A I Fernandez-Dominguez
1Departamento de Fisica Teorica de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Optics Express
|February 23, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a novel terahertz waveguiding structure using plasmonic and metamaterial concepts. This easy-to-manufacture design enables compact terahertz devices with subwavelength dimensions and high integration density.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) frequencies present unique challenges for electromagnetic field manipulation.
- Plasmonic and metamaterial concepts offer potential solutions for subwavelength waveguiding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new, easily manufactured waveguiding structure for spatial and temporal modulation of electromagnetic fields at THz frequencies.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of creating compact and highly integrated THz devices.
Main Methods:
- The proposed waveguiding elements consist of periodic chains of metallic box-shaped structures on a metallic surface.
- Analysis of the dispersion relation and electromagnetic modes within the subwavelength regime.
- Characterization of various integrated THz devices, including tapers, power dividers, directional couplers, waveguide bends, and ring resonators.
Main Results:
- The dispersion relation is insensitive to waveguide width, allowing tight confinement and low loss in subwavelength dimensions.
- Demonstrated the ability to fabricate key THz components like tapers and power dividers.
- Successfully characterized directional couplers, waveguide bends, and ring resonators, showcasing design flexibility.
Conclusions:
- The proposed plasmonic/metamaterial waveguiding structure offers a flexible and manufacturable platform for THz applications.
- The subwavelength confinement and device flexibility pave the way for high integration density in THz systems.
