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Metamaterial-based optical components for seamless integration in compact THz measurement systems
Last modified: 2011-12-05
Abstract
We present a variety of metamaterial-based optical components for THz waves as
e.g. bandpass filters, wave plates, polarizers, modulators, gradient index (GRIN) lenses and near-
field sensors. As as central scope, we concentrate on the design, fabrication and characterization
of a 3-layer metamaterial-based gradient-index lens that focuses THz waves around a center
frequency of 1.3THz down to spot diameters of the order of one wavelength. The operation
bandwidth of the GRIN lens was 300GHz. The plasmonic metamaterial structure that composed
the GRIN lens was fully embedded in a highly transmissive polymer membrane and allowed high
transmission of THz radiation through the lens. The thickness of the lens was smaller than
one wavelength of the THz wave and thus enables application in ultra-compact, low cost THz
inspection systems.
e.g. bandpass filters, wave plates, polarizers, modulators, gradient index (GRIN) lenses and near-
field sensors. As as central scope, we concentrate on the design, fabrication and characterization
of a 3-layer metamaterial-based gradient-index lens that focuses THz waves around a center
frequency of 1.3THz down to spot diameters of the order of one wavelength. The operation
bandwidth of the GRIN lens was 300GHz. The plasmonic metamaterial structure that composed
the GRIN lens was fully embedded in a highly transmissive polymer membrane and allowed high
transmission of THz radiation through the lens. The thickness of the lens was smaller than
one wavelength of the THz wave and thus enables application in ultra-compact, low cost THz
inspection systems.
Keywords
Terahertz metamaterials, THz optical components, gradient index lenses