Manipulating Nonlinear Photocurrent from Interlayer Coupling in Bilayer Metamaterials for Polarized Terahertz Generation

Polarized terahertz (THz) wave generation is of great significance for chiral and anisotropic sensing applications. However, how to manipulate amplitude, polarization, and ellipticity of the THz generation is still a fundamental challenge. Herein, polarized THz wave generation is achieved from a bilayer metamaterial consisting of T-shaped structure (TSS) and split resonator rings (SRRs) by combining Maxwell and hydrodynamic equations. The elliptically polarized THz wave can be synthetized directly from horizontally and vertically polarized THz components due to the orthogonal nonlinear photocurrents along the arm-directions of TSS and SRRs, respectively. Besides, the ellipticity and the orientation angle of the THz polarization ellipse can be modulated by the twist angle between the SRRs and TSS layers. The maximum ellipticity can reach 0.34 while the orientation angle is tunable from −0.45 to 0.48π by tuning the twist angle. This work proposes an interlayer coupling method for the polarized THz sources based on metamaterials in potential circular dichroism and chiral sensing applications.     

Transmission properties of terahertz pulses through subwavelength double split-ring resonators

We present a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy study of the transmission properties of planar composite media made from subwavelength double split-ring resonators (SRRs). The measured amplitude transmission spectra reveal a resonance near 0.5 THz, the central frequency of most ultrafast terahertz systems, for one SRR orientation in normal-incidence geometry. This resonance is attributed to the effect of electric excitation of magnetic resonance of the SRR arrays. In addition, the influences of background substrate, lattice constant, and the shapes of the SRRs on the terahertz resonance are experimentally investigated and agree well with the results of recent numerical studies.     

Magnetic response of split-ring resonators in the far-infrared frequency regime

We report on the fabrication, through photolithography techniques, and the detailed characterization, through direct transmission measurements, of a periodic system composed of five layers of photolithographically aligned micrometer-sized Ag split-ring resonators (SRRs). The measured transmission spectra for propagation perpendicular to the SRRs plane show a gap around 6 THz for one of the two possible polarizations of the incident electric field; this indicates the existence of a magnetic resonance, which is verified by detailed theoretical analysis. To our knowledge this is the first time that a system of more than one layer of micrometer-sized SRRs has been fabricated. The measured optical spectra of the Ag microstructure are in very good agreement with the corresponding theoretical calculations.     

Optically pumped terahertz lasers with high pulse repetition frequency: theory and design

Optically pumped terahertz （THz） lasers with high pulse repetition frequency are designed. Such a laser includes two parts： the optically pumping laser and the THz laser. The structures of the laser are described and analyzed. The rate equations for the pulsed THz laser are given. The kinetic process and laser pulse waveform for this kind of laser are numerically calculated based on the theory of rate equations. The theoretical results give a helpful guide to the research of such lasers.     

Photoexcited Blueshift and Redshift Switchable Metamaterial Absorber at Terahertz Frequencies

We propose a design and numerical study of an optically blueshift and redshift switchable metamaterial(MM)absorber in the terahertz regime. The MM absorber comprises a periodic array of metallic split-ring resonators(SRRs) with semiconductor silicon embedded in the gaps of MM resonators. The absorptive frequencies of the MM can be shifted by applying an external pump power. The simulation results show that, for photoconductivity of silicon ranging between 1 S/m and 4000 S/m, the resonance peak of the absorption spectra shifts to higher frequencies, from 0.67 THz to 1.63 THz, with a resonance tuning range of 59%. As the conductivity of silicon increases, the resonance frequencies of the MM absorber are continuously tuned from 1.60 THz to 1.16 THz, a redshift tuning range of 28%. As the conductivity increases above 30000 S/m, the resonance frequencies tend to be stable while the absorption peak has a merely tiny variation. The optical-tuned absorber has potential applications as a terahertz modulator or switch.     

Terahertz imaging through self-mixing in a quantum cascade laser

We demonstrate terahertz (THz) frequency imaging using a single quantum cascade laser (QCL) device for both generation and sensing of THz radiation. Detection is achieved by utilizing the effect of self-mixing in the THz QCL, and, specifically, by monitoring perturbations to the voltage across the QCL, induced by light reflected from an external object back into the laser cavity. Self-mixing imaging offers high sensitivity, a potentially fast response, and a simple, compact optical design, and we show that it can be used to obtain high-resolution reflection images of exemplar structures.     

Rapid fabrication of terahertz lens via three-dimensional printing technology

We design a plano-convex lens working in the terahertz(THz) frequency range and fabricate it using threedimensional(3D) printing technology. A 3D field scanner is used to measure its focal properties, and the results agree well with the numerical simulations. The refractive index and absorption coefficient measurements via THz time-domain spectroscopy(THz-TDS) reveal that the lens material is highly transparent at THz frequencies. It is expected that this inexpensive and rapid 3D printing technology holds promise for making various THz optical elements.     

Room‐temperature terahertz emission from ZnSe‐based quantum cascade structures: A simulation study

We identified conditions for room‐temperature operation of terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz QCLs) where variable barrier heights are used on ZnSe/Zn_1–xMg_x Se material systems. The THz QCL devices are based on three‐level two‐well design schemes. The THz QCL lasers with alternating quantum barriers with different heights were compared with THz QCL laser structures with fixed quantum barrier heights. It is found that the THz QCL device with novel design employing variable barrier heights achieved the terahertz emission of about 1.45 THz at room‐temperature (300 K), and has improved laser performance due to the suppression of thermally activated carrier leakage via higher‐energy parasitic levels. Thus, THz QCL devices employing the design with variable barrier heights may lead to future improvements of the operating temperature and performance of THz QCL lasers. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

利用3D打印技术制备太赫兹器件

高性能的太赫兹器件在控制太赫兹波方面起到重要的作用,因此寻求一种简单有效的太赫兹器件加工方案非常必要。本文以太赫兹波导和太赫兹滤波器为例,分别选用Kagome型光子晶体结构的波导和一维光子晶体结构的滤波器,运用商用的3D打印机加工样品,并采用透射式太赫兹时域光谱系统对样品的参数进行测量。实验结果表明:加工的波导在0.2~1.0 THz范围内传输损耗平均值约为0.02 cm~(-1),最小值可达到0.002 cm~(-1),且可运用机械拼接的方式将多个波导进行简单的连接从而获得更长的波导而不引起严重的损耗;滤波器的透射谱在0.1~0.5 THz之间有两个明显高损耗带;这两组实验结果均与理论预计非常接近。本文运用太赫兹波导和滤波器的实例证实了3D打印技术加工太赫兹器件的可行性,将会成为获取性能可控、价格低廉的太赫兹器件的有效途径。     

Integrated injection seeded terahertz source and amplifier for time-domain spectroscopy

We used a terahertz (THz) quantum cascade laser (QCL) as an integrated injection seeded source and amplifier for THz time-domain spectroscopy. A THz input pulse is generated inside a QCL by illuminating the laser facet with a near-IR pulse from a femtosecond laser and amplified using gain switching. The THz output from the QCL is found to saturate upon increasing the amplitude of the THz input power, which indicates that the QCL is operating in an injection seeded regime.     

Dynamical electric and magnetic metamaterial response at terahertz frequencies

Utilizing terahertz time domain spectroscopy, we have characterized the electromagnetic response of a planar array of split ring resonators (SRRs) fabricated upon a high resistivity GaAs substrate. The measured frequency dependent magnetic and electric resonances are in excellent agreement with theory and simulation. For two polarizations, the SRRs yield a negative electric response (epsilon < 0). We demonstrate, for the first time, dynamical control of the electrical response of the SRRs through photoexcitation of free carriers in the substrate. An excited carrier density of approximately 4 x 10(16) cm(-3) is sufficient to short the gap of the SRRs, thereby turning off the electric resonance, demonstrating the potential of such structures as terahertz switches. Because of the universality of metamaterial response over many decades of frequency, these results have implications for other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.     

气体辐射太赫兹波产额与驱动激光强度的依赖关系

利用光电流模型研究了气体辐射太赫兹波产额与驱动激光峰值强度的依赖关系.模拟表明,无论是单色激光脉冲还是双色激光场,当激光较弱时,太赫兹产额随着激光强度的增加而迅速增大;而当气体电离接近或达到饱和后,进一步增强激光场强度,太赫兹产额出现了振荡变化.与通常采用较弱激光强度相比,更高的激光强度(致使气体达到完全电离)会进一步增强太赫兹波的辐射强度.分析各个电离事件所产生电子的个数和运动轨迹的对称性,可以很好地解释这些结果.     

激光等离子体太赫兹辐射源的频率控制

实验研究了双色超快强激光场作用于氮气分子束所产生的宽带太赫兹(THz)辐射光谱随等离子体介质的密度和长度的依赖关系, 发现THz辐射的中心频率随等离子体密度提高和长度减小而增大(0.8-1.4 THz), 且谱宽也随之增加(0.78-1.53 THz). 分析和计算表明, 太赫兹光谱的变化由等离子体振荡频率和谱宽决定. 该发现为等离子体宽带太赫兹辐射源的光谱操控提供了新思路.     

Improved TL-RLC model for terahertz circular split-ring resonators

Three geometries of split-ring resonators (SRRs) including circular geometry and two elliptical geometries were fabricated by modern photolithography process. The samples were measured by terahertz time-domain transmission spectroscopy. These spectra clearly revealed the lower-frequency LC resonances and the higher-frequency dipole resonances; meanwhile, the coupling effect between the LC and dipole resonance had played an important role in the overall response. Comparing the results shows that the LC resonance, dipole resonance, and the coupling effect can be designed. A simple transmission-line (TL) RLC circuit model was used to help us understand this coupling behavior and the extent of its effects. But the simple model has some disadvantage. For better matching TL-RLC model results with measured data, an improved model was introduced for the circular and y-direction stretched elliptical geometry SRRs. Other resonances and modes existing at higher frequencies except the typical LC and dipole resonances were revealed by the improved model.     

基于太赫兹量子级联激光器的无线信号传输的实现

文章采用连续波激射的太赫兹量子级联激光器(THz QCL) 为发射端、光谱匹配的THz量子阱探测器(THz QWP) 为接收端, 搭建了基于THz波的无线传输演示系统. 测量并分析了该演示系统的传输带宽. 采用搭建的无线传输系统演示了基于4.13 THz电磁波的图片文件的无线传输过程, 得到了与源文件一致的结果, 验证了采用THz QCL和THz QWP进行THz信号无线传输的可行性.最后, 分析了演示系统的传输速率, 给出了提高系统传输速率的方法.     

Detection of a directly modulated terahertz light with quantum-well photodetector

We demonstrate a wireless transmission link at 3.9 THz over a distance of 0.5 m by employing a terahertz （Hz） quantum-cascade laser （QCL） and a THz quantum-well photodetector （QWP）. We make direct voltage modulation of the THz QCL and use a spectral-matched THz QWP to detect the modulated THz light from the laser. The small signal model and a direct voltage modulation scheme of the laser are presented. A square wave up to 30 MHz is added to the laser and detected by the THz detector. The bandwidth limit of the wireless link is also discussed.     

外差式相干探测时域光谱仪对磷化铟（InP）晶片的超宽频带太赫兹光谱的探测

磷化铟（InP）属于Ⅲ-Ⅴ族化合物半导体材料, 在毫米波的应用中展示出了高性能,在非线性太赫兹器件应用上具有很大的潜力。以前关于InP的研究主要集中于太赫兹频率在0.1～4 THz的频率范围内,在4～10 THz频率范围内InP的太赫兹光学数据还是空白。该研究利用空气等离子体相干探测太赫兹波的时域光谱系统研究了无掺杂的InP晶片在超宽THz频率范围（0.5～18 THz）内的光学特性, 实验中用电离的空气作为太赫兹的发射器和探测器, 利用可以调制的局部偏压诱导二次谐波产生,使在气体中太赫兹波的相干探测成为可能,明显提高了系统的动态范围和灵敏度。产生的太赫兹频谱宽度主要被激光脉冲持续时间所限制,太赫兹脉冲通过InP晶片后相对于参考脉冲会延迟,同时振幅会降低。另外,太赫兹信号的频谱振幅在6.7～12.1 THz范围内下降到本底噪声。同时还可以看出InP晶片在6.7～12.1 THz频率范围内不透光,在0.8～6.7 THz以及12.1～18 THz频率范围内InP的吸收系数相对较低,特别是在15～17.5 THz范围内吸收系数很低并且保持相对稳定,与此同时它的折射率单调增加。这些发现将有助于基于InP晶片的非线性太赫兹器件设计。     

基于太赫兹量子阱探测器的太赫兹量子级联激光器发射谱研究

采用一个光谱匹配的太赫兹(THz)量子阱探测器(QWP)研究了一激射频率约为41 THz的THz量子级联激光器(QCL)在不同驱动电流下的发射谱,分析了测量得到的发射谱谱型和谱峰位置,根据测量的发射谱估算了太赫兹量子级联激光器发射功率随驱动电流变化的情况,从而得到了THz QCL激射的电流密度范围及其阈值电流密度.文中还研究了THz QWP在不同温度下对THz QCL 激光辐射的响应特性.研究结果表明,THz QWP在表征THz QCL的发射谱方面是一种很好的探测器,并有望成为未来THz通信中的接收装置. 关键词： 太赫兹量子阱探测器 太赫兹量子级联激光器 太赫兹通信 Fourier变换红外光谱     

Plasmon-induced transparency effect in hybrid terahertz metamaterials with active control and multi-dark modes

We numerically demonstrate a photo-excited plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) effect in hybrid terahertz (THz) metamaterials. The proposed metamaterials are regular arrays of hybrid unit cells composed of a metallic cut wire and four metallic split-ring resonators (SRRs) whose gaps are filled with photosensitive semiconductor gallium arsenide (GaAs) patches. We simulate the PIT effect controlled by external infrared light intensity to change the conductivity of GaAs. In the absence of photo excitation, the conductivity of GaAs is 0, thus the SRR gaps are disconnected, and the PIT effect is not observed since the dark resonator (supported by the hybrid SRRs) cannot be stimulated. When the conductivity of GaAs is increased via photo excitation, the conductivity of GaAs can increase rapidly from 0 S/m to 1×10⁶ S/m and GaAs can connect the metal aluminum SRR gaps, and the dark resonator is excited through coupling with the bright resonator (supported by the cut wire), which leads to the PIT effect. Therefore, the PIT effect can be dynamically tuned between the on and off states by controlling the intensity of the external infrared light. We also discuss couplings between one bright mode (CW) and several dark modes (SRRs) with different sizes. The interference analytically described by the coupled Lorentz oscillator model elucidates the coupling mechanism between one bright mode and two dark modes. The phenomenon can be considered the result of linear superposition of the coupling between the bright mode and each dark mode. The proposed metamaterials are promising for application in the fields of THz communications, optical storage, optical display, and imaging.     

Terahertz emission in tenuous gases irradiated by ultrashort laser pulses

Mechanism of terahertz (THz) pulse generation in gases irradiated by ultrashort laser pulses is investigated theoretically. Quasi-static transverse currents produced by laser field ionization of gases and the longitudinal modulation in formed plasmas are responsible for the THz emission at the electron plasma frequency, as demonstrated by particle-in-cell simulations including field ionization. The THz field amplitude scaling with the laser amplitude within a large range is also discussed.