Physics (Internal)

Near Field Interactions in Terahertz Metamaterials

This event is part of the PhD Final Oral Exams.

Dissertation Committee: Richard Averitt, David Bishop, Claudio Chamon, Xin Zhang, Robert Carey

Abstract:

Terahertz (THz) frequencies comprise the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum more energetic than microwaves, but less energetic than infrared light. The THz band presents many opportunities for condensed matter physics and optics engineering. From the physics perspective, advances in the generation and detection of THz radiation have opened the door for spectroscopic studies of a range of solid-state phenomena that manifest at THz frequencies. From an engineering perspective, THz frequencies are an under-used spectral region, ripe for the development of new devices. In both cases, the challenge for researchers is to overcome a lack of sources, detectors, and optics for THz light, termed the THz Gap. Metamaterials (MMs), composite structures with engineered index of refraction, n, and impedance, Z, provide one path towards realizing THz optics. MMs are an ideal platform for the design of local EM eld distributions, and far-eld optical properties. This is espe- cially true at THz frequencies, where fabrication of inclusions is easily accomplished with photolithography. Historically, MM designs have been based around static congurations of resonant inclusions that work only in a narrow frequency band, limiting applications. Broadband and tunable MMs are needed to overcome this limit. This dissertation focuses on creating tunable and controllable MM structures through the manipulation of electromagnetic interactions between MM inclusions. We introduce three novel MM systems. Each system is studied computationally with CST-Studio, and experimentally via THz spectroscopy. First, we look at the tunable transmission spectrum of two coupled split ring resonators (SRRs) with dierent resonant frequencies. We show that introducing a lateral displacement between the two component resonators lowers the electromagnetic coupling between the SRRs, activating a new resonance. Second, we study an SRR array, coupled to a non-resonant closed ring array. We show that lowering the interaction strength through lateral displacement changes the MM oscillator strength by 40% and electric eld enhancement by a factor of 4. Finally, we show that interactions between a superconducting SRR array and a con- ducting ground plane result in a temperature and eld strength dependent MM absorption. The peak absorption changes by 40% with increasing electric eld and by 66% with increasing temperature.