Evgenya I. Smirnova

Bio: Evgenya I. Smirnova is an academic researcher from Los Alamos National Laboratory. The author has contributed to research in topics: Metamaterial & Terahertz radiation. The author has an hindex of 14, co-authored 47 publications receiving 1327 citations. Previous affiliations of Evgenya I. Smirnova include Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Thin-film sensing with planar terahertz metamaterials: sensitivity and limitations.

Abstract: The limiting effects of varying the thickness of a dielectric overlayer on planar double split-ring resonator (SRR) arrays are studied by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Uniform dielectric overlayers from 100 nm to 16 µm thick are deposited onto fixed SRR arrays in order to shift the resonance frequency of the electric response. We discuss the bounds of resonance shifting and emphasize the resulting limitations for SRR-based sensing. These results are presented in the context of typical biosensing situations and are compared to previous work and other existing sensing platforms.

Characterization and analysis of terahertz metamaterials based on rectangular split-ring resonators

Abstract: We present the experimental characterization of planar terahertz metamaterials based on rectangular electric split-ring resonator designs. Comparisons to square-ring designs reveal that rectangular shapes greatly affect the overall metamaterial response by altering the spectral separation and coupling between multiple ring resonances. A simple model is used to help us understand this coupling behavior and the extent of its effects. Advantages and disadvantages of these unconventional ring designs are discussed in terms of possible applications.

Simulation of photonic band gaps in metal rod lattices for microwave applications

Abstract: We have derived the global band gaps for general two-dimensional (2D) photonic band gap (PBG) structures formed by square or triangular arrays of metal posts. Such PBG structures have many promising applications in active and passive devices at microwave, millimeter wave, and higher frequencies. A coordinate-space, finite-difference code, called the photonic band gap structure simulator (PBGSS), was developed to calculate complete dispersion curves for lattices for a series of values of the ratio of the post radius (r) to the post spacing (a). The fundamental and higher frequency global photonic band gaps were determined numerically. These universal curves should prove useful in PBG cavity design. In addition, for very long wavelengths, where the numerical methods of the PBGSS code are difficult, dispersion curves were derived for the transverse-magnetic (TM) mode by an approximate, quasi-static approach. Results of this approach agree well with the PBGSS code for r/a<0.1. The present results are compared with experimental data for transverse-electric (TE) and TM mode PBG resonators built at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the agreement is found to be very good.

Optically thin terahertz metamaterials.

Abstract: Resonant properties of optically thin metamaterials are studied by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Both the lower energy inductorcapacitor (LC) and the higher energy dipole resonances of the planar double split-ring resonators (SRRs) exhibit characteristic evolution with various sub-skin-depth thicknesses of the constituent Pb film. The signature of the LC resonance begins to emerge at a critical thickness near 0.15 skin depth. The resonances reveal a characteristic enhancement; they are strengthened remarkably with increasing SRR thicknesses at sub-skin-depth level and then gradually saturate beyond the skin depth.

Metamaterials for THz polarimetric devices

Abstract: We present experimental and numerical investigations of planar terahertz metamaterial structures designed to interact with the state of polarization. The dependence of metamaterial resonances on polarization results in unique amplitude and phase characteristics of the terahertz transmission, providing the basis for polarimetric terahertz devices. We highlight some potential applications for polarimetric devices and present simulations of a terahertz quarter-wave plate and a polarizing terahertz beam splitter. Although this work was performed at terahertz frequencies, it may find applications in other frequency ranges as well.

Perfect metamaterial absorber.

Abstract: We present the design for an absorbing metamaterial (MM) with near unity absorbance A(omega). Our structure consists of two MM resonators that couple separately to electric and magnetic fields so as to absorb all incident radiation within a single unit cell layer. We fabricate, characterize, and analyze a MM absorber with a slightly lower predicted A(omega) of 96%. Unlike conventional absorbers, our MM consists solely of metallic elements. The substrate can therefore be optimized for other parameters of interest. We experimentally demonstrate a peak A(omega) greater than 88% at 11.5 GHz.

An Overview of the Theory and Applications of Metasurfaces: The Two-Dimensional Equivalents of Metamaterials

Abstract: Metamaterials are typically engineered by arranging a set of small scatterers or apertures in a regular array throughout a region of space, thus obtaining some desirable bulk electromagnetic behavior. The desired property is often one that is not normally found naturally (negative refractive index, near-zero index, etc.). Over the past ten years, metamaterials have moved from being simply a theoretical concept to a field with developed and marketed applications. Three-dimensional metamaterials can be extended by arranging electrically small scatterers or holes into a two-dimensional pattern at a surface or interface. This surface version of a metamaterial has been given the name metasurface (the term metafilm has also been employed for certain structures). For many applications, metasurfaces can be used in place of metamaterials. Metasurfaces have the advantage of taking up less physical space than do full three-dimensional metamaterial structures; consequently, metasurfaces offer the possibility of less-lossy structures. In this overview paper, we discuss the theoretical basis by which metasurfaces should be characterized, and discuss their various applications. We will see how metasurfaces are distinguished from conventional frequency-selective surfaces. Metasurfaces have a wide range of potential applications in electromagnetics (ranging from low microwave to optical frequencies), including: (1) controllable “smart” surfaces, (2) miniaturized cavity resonators, (3) novel wave-guiding structures, (4) angular-independent surfaces, (5) absorbers, (6) biomedical devices, (7) terahertz switches, and (8) fluid-tunable frequency-agile materials, to name only a few. In this review, we will see that the development in recent years of such materials and/or surfaces is bringing us closer to realizing the exciting speculations made over one hundred years ago by the work of Lamb, Schuster, and Pocklington, and later by Mandel'shtam and Veselago.

Terahertz spectroscopy and imaging – Modern techniques and applications

Abstract: Over the past three decades a new spectroscopic technique with unique possibilities has emerged. Based on coherent and time-resolved detection of the electric field of ultrashort radiation bursts in the far-infrared, this technique has become known as terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). In this review article the authors describe the technique in its various implementations for static and time-resolved spectroscopy, and illustrate the performance of the technique with recent examples from solid-state physics and physical chemistry as well as aqueous chemistry. Examples from other fields of research, where THz spectroscopic techniques have proven to be useful research tools, and the potential for industrial applications of THz spectroscopic and imaging techniques are discussed.

Terahertz Metamaterials for Linear Polarization Conversion and Anomalous Refraction

Abstract: Polarization is one of the basic properties of electromagnetic waves conveying valuable information in signal transmission and sensitive measurements. Conventional methods for advanced polarization control impose demanding requirements on material properties and attain only limited performance. We demonstrated ultrathin, broadband, and highly efficient metamaterial-based terahertz polarization converters that are capable of rotating a linear polarization state into its orthogonal one. On the basis of these results, we created metamaterial structures capable of realizing near-perfect anomalous refraction. Our work opens new opportunities for creating high-performance photonic devices and enables emergent metamaterial functionalities for applications in the technologically difficult terahertz-frequency regime.

A review of metasurfaces: physics and applications.

Abstract: Metamaterials are composed of periodic subwavelength metal/dielectric structures that resonantly couple to the electric and/or magnetic components of the incident electromagnetic fields, exhibiting properties that are not found in nature. This class of micro- and nano-structured artificial media have attracted great interest during the past 15 years and yielded ground-breaking electromagnetic and photonic phenomena. However, the high losses and strong dispersion associated with the resonant responses and the use of metallic structures, as well as the difficulty in fabricating the micro- and nanoscale 3D structures, have hindered practical applications of metamaterials. Planar metamaterials with subwavelength thickness, or metasurfaces, consisting of single-layer or few-layer stacks of planar structures, can be readily fabricated using lithography and nanoprinting methods, and the ultrathin thickness in the wave propagation direction can greatly suppress the undesirable losses. Metasurfaces enable a spatially varying optical response (e.g. scattering amplitude, phase, and polarization), mold optical wavefronts into shapes that can be designed at will, and facilitate the integration of functional materials to accomplish active control and greatly enhanced nonlinear response. This paper reviews recent progress in the physics of metasurfaces operating at wavelengths ranging from microwave to visible. We provide an overview of key metasurface concepts such as anomalous reflection and refraction, and introduce metasurfaces based on the Pancharatnam-Berry phase and Huygens' metasurfaces, as well as their use in wavefront shaping and beam forming applications, followed by a discussion of polarization conversion in few-layer metasurfaces and their related properties. An overview of dielectric metasurfaces reveals their ability to realize unique functionalities coupled with Mie resonances and their low ohmic losses. We also describe metasurfaces for wave guidance and radiation control, as well as active and nonlinear metasurfaces. Finally, we conclude by providing our opinions of opportunities and challenges in this rapidly developing research field.