Direct Conversion of Free Space Millimeter Waves to Optical Domain by Plasmonic Modulator Antenna

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Optoelectronics
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Conventional millimeter and THz wave to optical signal conversion requires complex electronic amplification and up-conversion stages.
• Existing methods are often bulky, expensive, and energy-intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel scheme for the direct conversion of millimeter and THz waves to optical signals.
• To present a compact, cost-efficient device that eliminates the need for high-speed electronics.

Main Methods:

• Development of a compact device integrating a plasmonic phase modulator with an antenna.
• Utilizing a resonant antenna for significant electric field enhancement (35,000x).
• Direct coupling of the optical field to the plasmonic modulator.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated direct conversion of millimeter-wave signals to the optical domain without electronic amplification.
• Achieved a substantial built-in electric field enhancement via the resonant antenna and plasmonic modulator.
• The device operates without requiring high-speed electronics.

Conclusions:

• The proposed scheme offers a simple, cost-efficient, and compact alternative for millimeter and THz wave to optical signal conversion.
• This technology bypasses conventional multi-stage conversion processes, streamlining signal processing.
• Enables new possibilities for integrated optoelectronic systems operating at high frequencies.