Terahertz Metasurfaces Research Articles

Tunable and polarization-dependent electromagnetically induced transparency analogy in graphene-based terahertz metasurfaces

In this paper, we theoretically and numerically demonstrate a tunable and polarization-dependent electromagnetically induced transparency analogy based on graphene terahertz metasurfaces. The unit cell of the metasurface consists of three-layer graphene strips embedded in a silicon grating. The dynamic adjustment of the transparent window can be achieved by changing the coupling distance between the graphene layers and the polarization direction of the incident lights. The operation mechanism behind the phenomenon can be attributed to the near-field interaction and electromagnetic coupling of modes in graphene strips. Furthermore, the full wave electromagnetic simulations obtained by the finite-difference time-domain method agree well with the theoretical fitting results based on the three-harmonic oscillator model. In addition, by changing the Fermi levels, it can not only realize the outstanding slow-light effects with a maximum group index of 3750 but also obtain the four-frequency asynchronous optical switch function in terahertz regions. Therefore, our proposed metamaterial device may have potential applications in image switching, optical switches, slow-light device, optical communication, and optical storage.

InAs Terahertz Metalens Emitter for Focused Terahertz Beam Generation

Metasurfaces have opened doors to combining multiple photonic functionalities in a single compact device. In particular, the ability to generate short terahertz (THz) pulses with precise wavefront engineering in a single THz metasurface redefined the role metasurfaces can play in THz systems. Here, an InAs metalens emitter which generates and focuses a THz pulse beam is demonstrated using a 130 nm thick InAs metasurface designed as a binary‐phase Fresnel zone plate. The THz beam is focused to a spot of ≈430 μm at 1 THz with a short focal length of 5 mm and large numerical aperture of 0.5. Nanoscale InAs Mie resonators comprising the metasurface enable THz generation with an amplitude as high as 20 times compared to plasmonic THz emitters and several times compared to a 1 mm thick ZnTe crystal. This InAs metasurface emitter provides a new paradigm for designing THz imaging, spectroscopy, and communication systems, where THz beam generation and shaping are performed with a single device without compromising the generation efficiency, while eliminating losses and avoiding limitations of phase matching of conventional nonlinear optics approaches.

Graphene‑vanadium dioxide ultra-wideband dual regulated absorber

In this paper, we propose a novel tunable THZ absorber consisting of a patterned graphene layer and a metal plate separated by a vanadium dioxide dielectric layer. The absorbent has a simple structure, is easy to make graphene patterns, and has a dual regulatory function. The ability to double regulate comes from the fact that the state of vanadium dioxide changes with the temperature between the insulating phase and the metal phase, resulting in a change in its conductivity. When vanadium dioxide is in the insulating phase, the total reflection characteristics of the absorber are >7 THz, and when vanadium dioxide is in the metallic phase, the absorber achieves near-perfect absorption in the ultra-wideband range of 3 THz to 12.4 THz (9.4 THz). Local surface plasmon resonance explains the perfect absorption. Compared with previous absorbers, our proposed absorbers are not only simple in structure, the graphene pattern is also easy to process, but also have double adjustment and perfect absorption in the ultra-wideband range, are not sensitive to polarized light, and have large tolerances for the Angle of incident. The further development and enrichment of terahertz metamaterials and metasurface devices will also have beneficial implications for terahertz wave applications in sensing, communications, and radar. Due to their significant application value in stealth, detection, and communication, metamaterial absorbers have become a research hotspot in the field of metamaterials.

Merging of quasi-bound states in the continuum and Wood anomalies in terahertz metasurfaces based on complementary periodic cross-shaped resonators

Metasurfaces provide an ideal platform for controlling the merging of multiple modes owing to trimmable periodic meta-atoms. In this work, a terahertz metasurface based on complementary periodic cross-shaped resonators (CPCRs) with mixed modes is demonstrated. The CPCRs support sharp quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) by introducing an offset parameter. The optical response of quasi-BICs such as frequency shift and Q-factor can be optimized by tuning offset parameters. As such parameter increases, a mixed mode originating from quasi-BICs and Wood anomalies appears. The merged resonance has a narrow bandwidth with steep edges and thus can serve as bandpass filters. Simulated electric field distributions reveal the special patterns for these modes. Owing to the effect of quasi-BICs, Wood anomalies exhibit different field patterns in contrast to those of pure modes. These results prove the possibility of multimode merging in metallic metasurfaces, which is beneficial for terahertz applications such as sensing and wave filters.

Terahertz Beam Shaping Using Space-Time Phase-only Coded Metasurfaces

Digital metasurfaces as space-coded surfaces composed of a set of sub-wavelength meta-atoms enable extraordinary capabilities to manipulate electromagnetic waves. Recently, amplitude-phase-joint-coding metasurfaces have been proposed to achieve enhanced beam shaping. However, design of a unit cell structure with a full manipulation of amplitude and phase of the reflected beam is challenging and this kind of unit cell structures are complicated. This paper proposes a space-time phase-only metasurface based on simple graphene-based unit cell that is digitally coded and arranged with a specific time sequence, allowing the effective simultaneous manipulation of both phase and amplitude. In this way, it is demonstrated that the terahertz beam can be shaped using the proposed terahertz metasurface.

Moiré photonic superlattice-induced transparency at commensurate angle in a terahertz metasurface composed of triple layer square lattices

The control of the speed of terahertz waves is always a challenge since the bandgap of most optical materials is much larger beyond meV with subtle nonlinear susceptibility. Moiré metasurfaces are shown to exhibit wide tunable optical properties and extraordinary physical phenomena at specific commensurate angles. These can be achieved by a careful design of the metasurface to manipulate terahertz slow light. Herein, we demonstrate a triple layer Moiré metasurface with a distinct electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) phenomenon at commensurate angles. The proposed metasurface is composed of an intrinsic square lattice embedded into another Moiré photonic superlattice made of twisted square lattice at commensurate angles of 10.39° and 7.63°. The coupling between adjacent meta-atoms on the combined metasurface leads to destructive interference of dual trapped lattice modes, which results in a transparency window at the terahertz band. A maximum group delay of 9.76 ps is found at the transparent window of 0.84 THz when the commensurate angle is 10.39°. When the commensurate angle reduces to 7.63°, the transparency window shifts to 0.57 THz with a 5.96 ps group delay. The coupled Lorentz oscillator model indicates that the nonlinear optical susceptibility at transparency windows is above zero. Our results create an approach to tune the EIT as well as slow light in the terahertz band. Our device can have potential applications in terahertz signal processing and storage.

Graphene-based hybrid metasurfaces with quasi-bound states in the continuum for manipulating terahertz absorption

We present a graphene-based hybrid metasurface with quasi-bound states in the continuum (BICs) for manipulating terahertz (THz) wave absorption. By the strategic application of structural perturbations for the THz metasurface, the symmetry-protected BICs transforms into quasi-BICs. The incorporation of graphene adeptly satisfies the critical coupling condition, thereby facilitating the attainment of the theoretical maximum absorption of 0.5 for the quasi-BICs in the THz region. And the Q-factor of the quasi-BIC can be up to 2755. Moreover, the metasurface exhibits a distinctive ability for unique tuning and efficient absorption of terahertz waves by varying the asymmetry parameter and Fermi levels. This work provides promising strategies for manipulating terahertz wave absorption.

Unveiling the Terahertz Nano-Fingerprint Spectrum of Single Artificial Metallic Resonator.

As artificially engineered subwavelength periodic structures, terahertz (THz) metasurface devices exhibit an equivalent dielectric constant and dispersion relation akin to those of natural materials with specific THz absorption peaks, describable using the Lorentz model. Traditional verification methods typically involve testing structural arrays using reflected and transmitted optical paths. However, directly detecting the dielectric constant of individual units has remained a significant challenge. In this study, we employed a THz time-domain spectrometer-based scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope (THz-TDS s-SNOM) to investigate the near-field nanoscale spectrum and resonant mode distribution of a single-metal double-gap split-ring resonator (DSRR) and rectangular antenna. The findings reveal that they exhibit a dispersion relation similar to that of natural materials in specific polarization directions, indicating that units of THz metasurface can be analogous to those of molecular structures in materials. This microscopic analysis of the dispersion relation of artificial structures offers new insights into the working mechanisms of THz metasurfaces.

The high-Q THz stereo metasurface sensor based on double toroidal dipole with wide operating angle bandwidth

A highly sensitive terahertz stereo metasurface sensor, characterized by a high quality factor (Q-factor) and based on dual toroidal dipole (TD) resonance, has been proposed. The optimal structural parameters are ascertained by comparing the pertinent parameters of the stereo and planar structures in relation to TD modal excitation. The effective excitation of the TD mode is demonstrated using the calculations of multipole scattered power, reflection spectra, surface currents, electric fields, and magnetic field distributions. It is crucial that the stereo metasurface exhibits simplicity and that the dual TD resonance can be readily excited through simple adjustments in the distance and height of the intermediate gap. It also demonstrates exceptionally high sensitivity and Q-factor, both of which are essential for sensing applications. Moreover, the proposed stereo terahertz metasurface sensor still shows excellent sensing performance in a wide range of incidence angles (±40°), which is of great significance for practical applications. In conclusion, this structure offers a novel design framework for high-performance terahertz sensors based on the TD mode.

Multi-mode non-diffraction vortex beams enabled by polarization-frequency multiplexing transmissive terahertz metasurfaces

In terahertz (THz) wireless communication systems, non-diffraction vortex beams carrying an orbital angular momentum (OAM) have attracted extensive attention due to their ability to transmit information over long distances with high capacity. However, existing metasurfaces can only generate a single OAM mode non-diffracting vortex beam at reflection space for circular polarization (CP) incidence, limiting practical applications. To address this issue, we propose and design a polarization-frequency multiplexing transmissive THz metasurface to realize multi-mode non-diffracting vortex beams at linear polarization (LP) incidence. The meta-atom of this metasurface is composed of three anisotropic rectangular metallic structures embedded in vanadium dioxide (VO2) square rings, two circular aperture metallic grid layers, and four dielectric layers. By reasonably designing the size of the metal patch and the state of VO2, the designed metasurface can achieve polarization multiplexing and frequency multiplexing for LP incidence. Based on the phase response of the proposed meta-atoms, the transmissive metasurface can implement not only multi-mode non-diffraction vortex beams but also their space separation at two frequency ranges of 0.80–0.90 THz and 1.50–1.80 THz by changing the state of VO2. Therefore, the proposed multiple multiplexing metasurfaces can effectively shape the wavefront of non-diffraction vortex beams, which have broad application prospects in 6G THz communication.

Terahertz Metasurfaces for Polarization Manipulation and Detection: Principles and Emerging Applications

AbstractTerahertz frequencies locating between microwave and infrared regions can record and process optical information for next‐generation information technology such as 6G communication. Metasurfaces, as emerging planar optical components built with micro‐ or nanostructures, enable precise control, and manipulation of electromagnetic waves from near fields to far fields. These subwavelength artificial structures can be engineered to exhibit specific polarization responses, thus holding significant potential for applications in polarization detection. In the terahertz (THz) region, polarization information is crucial for identifying and analyzing the properties of materials in the terahertz. In this review, we focus on recent advances in terahertz metasurfaces for polarization manipulation and detection, including principles and emerging applications. New polarization detection methods such as polarization state conversion, polarization‐selective absorption, polarization‐selective focusing, and vector beam construction are discussed. Finally, it is concluded with a few perspectives on emerging trends and existing challenges in the fields of terahertz polarization manipulation and detection.

Dual-mode multifunctional switchable polarization conversion metasurface based on VO2, Si, and graphene in THz region

In this paper, a dual-mode multifunctional switching terahertz metasurface polarization converter based on vanadium dioxide (VO2), photosensitive semiconductor silicon (Si) and graphene is designed. The converter can switch between transmission and reflection modes by adjusting the state of VO2. In the insulating state of VO2, the converter operates in transmission mode and performs linear-to-linear polarization conversion (LTL-PC) with a relative bandwidth of 166.0 %. Conversely, when VO2 is in the metallic state, the converter works in reflection mode. By adjusting the pump light intensity to modulate the state of Si, linear-to-circular polarization conversion (LTC-PC) and LTL-PC function can be achieved. Moreover, the Fermi level of graphene can be adjusted via electrostatic gate to further enhance the working bandwidth of the converter. In reflection mode, the relative bandwidths for LTL-PC, linear to left-circularly and right-circularly polarization conversion are 98.1 %, 87.0 % and 4.0 %, respectively. The metasurface polarization converter proposed in this paper has a variety of functions and a variety of control modes, and has the advantages of high polarization conversion rate and wide operating band, showing great potential in switching and tunable wideband terahertz converters and related applications.

Decoupling of Phase and Amplitude Channels with a Terahertz Metasurface Toward High‐Security Image Hiding

AbstractSteganography technology which conceals a message in a carrier to make it invisible is critical for information security. Conventional optical image steganography using diffractive optical components or spatial light modulators suffers from less encoding channel and bulky volume. The emergence of multifunctional metasurface that can manipulate abundant physical dimensions of optical fields allows the multi‐channel image steganography in a compact volume. Here, the image hiding in a metasurface is demonstrated by modulating the amplitude, phase, and polarization states of terahertz (THz) waves completely. Especially, the phase channel can decouple from the amplitude channel based on a Fresnel‐diffraction‐based algorithm. By directly measuring the phase distribution using the homemade THz focal plane imaging system, the number of transmission channels can expand from N to 2N. As a proof of concept, it is shown that the secret images can encode in the phase channel and subsequently extract by using different keys, such as polarization states, detection distances, and its combinations. Moreover, different hiding strategies with different attacker behaviors are also demonstrated. The decoupling of the phase and amplitude channels with a single metasurface may open an avenue toward innovative optoelectronic devices for optical image steganography, data storage, and terahertz communication.

Specific recognition of L-threonine by a terahertz metasurfaces biosensor based on fingerprint peaks

Specific recognition of L-threonine by a terahertz metasurfaces biosensor based on fingerprint peaks

Broadband THz metasurface bandpass filter/antireflection coating based on metalized Si cylindrical rings

Abstract The operation of the metasurface based on silicon cylindrical rings coated by a gold as a terahertz (THz) bandpass filter/antireflection structure is studied. The decrease in the reflectance is conditioned by the destructive interference of electromagnetic waves reflected from structural layers of the metasurface. An efficient antireflection band with the reflectance below 10% is formed in the frequency spectrum of 0.71–0.92 THz with a relative bandwidth of 26%. It is shown that the operating spectrum of the suggested metasurface can be varied by changing the total radius of cylindrical rings, whereas the filter’s performance is rather insensitive to the variations in cylinder height and inner radius. The dependence of the antireflection band on the polarization and incidence angle of the THz waves is also analyzed. The antireflection band is sensitive to changes in the surrounding medium, hence enabling control of the transmittance band by exploiting refractive-index-changing materials.

Design and Evaluation of Tunable Terahertz Metasurface Biosensor for Malaria Detection with Machine learning Optimization Using Artificial Intelligence

Design and Evaluation of Tunable Terahertz Metasurface Biosensor for Malaria Detection with Machine learning Optimization Using Artificial Intelligence

Audio misinformation encoding via an on-phone sub-terahertz metasurface

We demonstrate a wireless security application to protect the weakest link in phone-to-phone communication, using a terahertz metasurface. To our knowledge, this is the first example of an eavesdropping countermeasure in which the attacker is actively misled.

Dispersive terahertz metasurface fed by a horn antenna for highly oriented 2D beam steering

Highly oriented beam steering will enhance power density and field of view (FOV) in terahertz wireless links. Metasurface can be constructed by deliberate arrangement of subwavelength meta-cells to manipulate the wavefront. This paper explores a dispersive metasurface with a specific phase gradient patterned in a 2-inch aperture, allowing for collimated beamforming and two-dimensional (2D) beam steering by a combination of frequency tuning and metasurface rotation. The metasurface is directly fed by a horn antenna, ensuring a compact integration. Simulation and experiment in the 80-110 GHz band revealed that the gain band crucial for FOV and efficiency is mainly constrained by the nonlinear phase dispersion of the meta-cells. Efforts to optimize the phase linearity resulted in a more efficient metasurface with a gain of 35.7 dBi and an efficiency of 76.6% at 400 GHz. A FOV of 22.5° in the elevation was guaranteed with gain in the 325-500 GHz band (a bandwidth of 42.4%). Imaging of two scattering balls was demonstrated at a distance of 4.1 meters by using the metasurface for 2D beam steering.

Stretchable terahertz metasurface based on laser induced graphene for contactless deformation sensing

In this paper, a 1D stretchable terahertz (THz) metasurface based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) for deformation sensing is developed with low cost, good sensitivity and robustness. After the LIG metasurface is fabricated by laser-direct writing on a polyimide film, it is divided into columns and bonded to a medical polyurethane (PU) tape, thus endowed with high elasticity due to the excellent flexibility of PU. Because LIG supports surface plasmon polaritons in the THz band, a plasmonic resonance is introduced in the reflection spectrum and red shifts with lateral stretching. Experimental results show that the device can realize a resonant frequency shift of 336 GHz at a deformation of 0-14 mm, and the linearity reaches 0.988, achieving a sensitivity of 24 GHz/mm and excellent robustness (>1000 repetitions). The LIG-based stretchable THz sensor has great application potential for contactless deformation sensing in aerospace, industrial manufacturing, and related fields.

Facile fabrication of THz metasurfaces by a spatially shaped femtosecond laser printing system

Terahertz (THz) metasurfaces provide unprecedented abilities to realize versatile THz wavefronts manipulations. Nevertheless, these high degree of freedom, non-periodic, densely arranged subwavelength unit cells pose numerous extreme parameter requirements for the fabrication of metasurfaces, presenting significant challenges to their practical application. Herein, a spatial shaping femtosecond laser printing system, based on spatial light modulation (SLM), is proposed for the creation of THz metasurfaces. Through programming the SLM with a sequence of computer-generated holograms (CGH) corresponding to C-shaped Bessel beams with varying opening angles and orientation angles, the C-shaped slit resonant rings with different geometric parameters—fundamental units of the metasurface—were precisely printed onto a gold film. To validate this technique, a THz metalens based on a phased gradient design and a THz holographic plate employing simultaneous phase and amplitude modulation were meticulously fabricated, displaying outstanding performance. Owing to the simple processing flow, high reproducibility, and wide applicability of materials, this technique stands out as a versatile and efficient approach for fabricating THz metasurfaces, with the potential to promote the commercialization of terahertz metasurfaces.