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Terahertz Plasmonic Field-Induced Conductivity Modulation in Gold
A Y Elezzabi1, P Maraghechi1, S R Greig1
1Ultrafast Optics and Nanophotonics Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2V4 Canada.
Scientific Reports
|June 11, 2015
Summary
We observed terahertz electric field control over conductivity in gold plasmonic materials. This breakthrough enables new ultrafast terahertz plasmonic devices and field-effect applications.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Plasmonics
- Terahertz Science
Background:
- Sub-wavelength plasmonic structures offer unique light-matter interactions.
- Terahertz (THz) technology is rapidly advancing for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate terahertz electric field-induced conductivity modulation in gold plasmonic media.
- To explore the influence of induced surface charges on near-field light propagation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized all-THz pump-probe time-resolved transmission spectroscopy.
- Analyzed phase-dependent time-resolved signatures to understand charge dynamics.
Main Results:
- Observed significant conductivity modulation in response to THz electric fields.
- Demonstrated that induced surface charges affect near-field mediated light propagation.
- Attributed conductivity enhancement to increased surface conduction electron density.
Conclusions:
- The findings demonstrate a novel mechanism for controlling plasmonic conductivity with THz fields.
- This work is foundational for developing ultrafast active THz plasmonic devices.
- Paves the way for plasmonic field-effect devices analogous to semiconductor technologies.
