Abstract
AbstractSpatial light modulators (SLMs) exhibit a powerful capability of controlling electromagnetic waves. They are found to have numerous applications at terahertz (THz) frequencies, including wireless communication, digital holography, and compressive imaging. However, the development toward large‐scale, multi‐level, and multi‐functional THz SLM encounters technical challenges. Here, an electrically programmable THz metamaterial consisting of an array of 8×8 pixels is presented, in which the phase change material of vanadium dioxide (VO2) is embedded. After successfully suppressing the crosstalk from adjacent pixels, the THz wave can be modulated in a programmable manner. The switching speed of each pixel is in the order of 1 kHz. In particular, utilizing the hysteresis effect of VO2, the memory effect is demonstrated. The THz amplitude of each pixel can be written and erased by individual current pulses. Furthermore, multi‐state THz images can be generated and stored. This programmable metamaterial with memory function can be extended to other frequency bands and opens a route for electromagnetic information processing.
Highlights
Spatial light modulator (SLM) has demonstrated the capability of manipulating the amplitude, phase, or polarisation state of electromagnetic wave
At terahertz (THz) frequencies, SLM has been used to address the technical challenges of THz applications, including beamforming 1, compressive imaging 2, and digital holography 3
We have demonstrated an electrically programmable THz device with memory effects
Summary
Spatial light modulator (SLM) has demonstrated the capability of manipulating the amplitude, phase, or polarisation state of electromagnetic wave. The fluctuation reflects the temperature contrast between the VO2 patch and the surrounding bare substrate, as illustrated in the close-up view of P1 at the top of Fig. 3c.On the contrary, the oscillation was not observed in Fig. 3b because of the limited resolution of the thermal camera In both experimental and simulated results, there is an evident temperature rise in the bias lines of P1 and P2. To verify multi-state storage capability in a programmable manner, we applied a ‘write’ signal of a 100ms-wide current pulse to every pixel in a serial way. In this step, the Tstage was held close to the Tc of 56 °C to maximise the hysteresis effect. We did not observe any apparent change in this figure, suggesting that the multi-state can be well stored for at least several hours
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
