Planar surface plasmonic waveguide devices based on symmetric corrugated thin film structures

Area of Science:

• Plasmonics
• Electromagnetics
• Metamaterials

Background:

• Conformal surface plasmon (CSP) structures offer promising applications for planar plasmonic devices across microwave to mid-infrared frequencies.
• Symmetric CSP structures, featuring corrugated groove arrays, support both symmetric (even) and anti-symmetric (odd) surface wave modes.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the dispersion and electromagnetic (EM) field patterns of symmetric CSP structures.
• Design and analyze novel planar CSP waveguide devices, specifically a frequency splitter and a 3 dB directional coupler, for terahertz applications.
• Validate the functionality of these devices through microwave experiments.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of electromagnetic wave coupling between adjacent symmetric CSP strips based on the even mode.
• Design and simulation of terahertz frequency splitter and 3 dB directional coupler using symmetric CSP structures.
• Geometric scaling of terahertz devices to microwave frequencies for experimental validation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the capability of symmetric CSP structures to support distinct surface wave propagation modes.
• Successfully designed and analyzed terahertz frequency splitters and directional couplers.
• Experimental validation at microwave frequencies confirmed the functionality of the designed planar plasmonic devices.

Conclusions:

• Symmetric CSP structures are highly suitable for developing novel planar plasmonic devices and circuitry.
• The demonstrated frequency splitter and directional coupler validate the potential of CSP technology in integrated plasmonics.
• This work paves the way for advanced terahertz and microwave integrated circuits.