High-volume rapid prototyping technique for terahertz metallic metasurfaces

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Advancements in prototyping technologies like 3D printing and laser machining have accelerated terahertz (THz) device development.
• THz optical devices are crucial for applications in sensing, imaging, and communications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce hot stamping as a novel, cost-effective, and rapid fabrication technique for two-dimensional (2D) metallic patterns.
• To demonstrate the versatility of hot stamping for creating various THz devices.

Main Methods:

• Hot stamping was employed to fabricate 2D metallic patterns for THz applications.
• Fabrication of metasurfaces comprising split-ring resonator arrays.
• Fabrication of a wire-grid polarizer for use as a polarizing beam splitter.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated metasurfaces with resonances extending up to 550 GHz.
• Demonstrated the creation of a functional wire-grid polarizer.
• Validated hot stamping as a versatile technique for diverse THz device prototyping.

Conclusions:

• Hot stamping offers a simple, inexpensive, and rapid method for fabricating THz devices.
• The technique facilitates rapid prototyping and realization of advanced THz optical components.
• This approach can significantly contribute to the future development and accessibility of terahertz technology.