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Simulation, Fabrication and Characterization of THz Metamaterial Absorbers
Published on: December 27, 2012
Narrowband terahertz emitters using metamaterial films
Fabio Alves1, Brian Kearney, Dragoslav Grbovic
1Department of Physics, Naval Postgraduate School, 833 Dyer Rd, Monterey, California 93943, USA. fdalves@nps.edu
Optics Express
|October 6, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed metamaterial narrowband thermal emitters for terahertz (THz) radiation. These emitters achieve high power output and can be tuned for single or dual-band THz emission.
Area of Science:
- Metamaterials and Nanophotonics
- Terahertz (THz) Technology
- Thermal Emitters
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) technology requires efficient narrowband thermal emitters.
- Metamaterials offer unique electromagnetic properties for tailored emission spectra.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize metamaterial-based narrowband thermal emitters in the THz range.
- To demonstrate tunable single and dual-band THz emission.
- To validate emitter performance through thermal imaging.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of metamaterial structures for THz emission.
- Characterization of emission spectra and bandwidth.
- Thermal imaging using microbolometer cameras with THz optics.
Main Results:
- Achieved narrowband thermal emitters with approximately 1 THz bandwidth.
- Single-band emitters (4-8 THz) reached 36 W/m² at 400 °C.
- Demonstrated dual-band THz emission using complex metamaterial unit cells.
- Imaging confirmed higher emissivity from metamaterials compared to aluminum.
Conclusions:
- Metamaterial structures are effective for creating efficient narrowband thermal THz emitters.
- Tunable single and dual-band emission is achievable.
- These emitters show significant potential for various THz applications.
