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Extraordinary terahertz transmission in superconducting subwavelength hole array
1Research Institute of Superconductor Electronics (RISE), School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
Optics Express
|January 26, 2011
Summary
Superconducting Niobium Nitride (NbN) films exhibit enhanced terahertz transmission through subwavelength holes. This phenomenon is driven by surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and localized surface plasmons (LSPs) at low temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Terahertz Science and Technology
- Superconductivity
Background:
- Extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) through subwavelength structures is a key phenomenon in plasmonics.
- Superconducting materials offer unique electromagnetic properties below their critical temperature.
- Niobium Nitride (NbN) is a well-established superconducting material with potential applications in THz technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the terahertz (THz) transmission properties of subwavelength hole arrays in superconducting NbN films.
- To understand the influence of the superconducting state on THz transmission.
- To explore the underlying physical mechanisms, including surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and localized surface plasmons (LSPs).
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of subwavelength hole arrays in NbN thin films.
- Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) measurements.
- Temperature-dependent transmission measurements across the superconducting transition.
Main Results:
- Observed significant enhancement of THz transmission in the superconducting state of NbN.
- Demonstrated distinct changes in transmission spectra below the superconducting transition temperature.
- Identified the roles of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and localized surface plasmons (LSPs) in enhancing transmission.
- Measured a temperature-dependent resonance frequency shift attributed to SPP-LSP coupling.
Conclusions:
- The superconducting state dramatically enhances extraordinary THz transmission in NbN hole arrays.
- SPPs and LSPs play a crucial role in the observed transmission enhancement.
- The coupling between SPPs and LSPs is responsible for the temperature-dependent resonance frequency shift, offering insights into plasmon dynamics in superconductors.
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