Renbin Zhong

Bio: Renbin Zhong is an academic researcher from University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. The author has contributed to research in topics: Terahertz radiation & Surface plasmon polariton. The author has an hindex of 14, co-authored 84 publications receiving 1002 citations. Previous affiliations of Renbin Zhong include Chinese Ministry of Education & City University of Hong Kong.

Surface plasmon wave propagation along single metal wire

Abstract: Recently, the single metal wire (SW) has become attractive for its potential applications in the terahertz and higher frequency range. However, as the most simple and typical surface plasmon polariton (SPP) transmission line, its study seems far from enough. Many important transmission behaviours have not been explained satisfactorily from the viewpoint of physics. In this paper, making use of the modified Drude model (MDM) based on the Sommerfeld theory, the transmission behaviours of SPPs along SW are systemically investigated theoretically. Some important physical phenomena such as the mode transformation, the lifetime of the radiative mode and the resonance frequency are revealed, and their mechanisms are explored. The results obtained in the paper will facilitate a general understanding of the features and the physical essence of the SPP transmission, not only for SW itself but also for other SPP transmission lines.

Surface Polariton Cherenkov Light Radiation Source

Abstract: A physical phenomenon has been found: in a structure of nanometal film with dielectric-medium loading, the surface polaritons excited by a uniformly moving electron bunch can be transformed into Cherenkov radiation with intensity enhancement in the medium. Based on this mechanism, the surface polariton Cherenkov light radiation source is presented and explored in the Letter. The results show that surface polariton Cherenkov light radiation source can generate radiation, from visible light to the ultraviolet frequency regime and the radiation power density can reach or even exceed 10(8) W/cm(2) depending on the beam energy and current density. It is a tunable and miniature light radiation source promising to be integrated on a chip and built into a light radiation source array.

Coherent and tunable terahertz radiation from graphene surface plasmon polaritons excited by an electron beam

Abstract: Although surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) resonance in graphene can be tuned in the terahertz regime, transforming such SPPs into coherent terahertz radiation has not been achieved. Here, we propose a graphene-based coherent terahertz radiation source with greatly enhanced intensity. The radiation works at room temperature, it is tunable and can cover the whole terahertz regime. The radiation intensity generated with this method is 400 times stronger than that from SPPs at a conventional dielectric or semiconducting surface and is comparable to that from the most advanced photonics source such as a quantum cascade laser. The physical mechanism for this strong radiation is presented. The phase diagrams defining the parameters range for the occurrence of radiation is also shown.

Independently tunable multi-band and ultra-wide-band absorbers based on multilayer metal-graphene metamaterials

Abstract: Dynamically and independently tunable absorbers based on multilayer metal-graphene metamaterials are proposed to achieve multi-band and ultra-wide-band absorbing properties at mid-infrared frequencies. Dual-band, triple-band and even more bands absorption can be arbitrarily customized by etching the appropriate number of tandem gold strips in each meta-molecule, as well as stacking multiple metal-graphene layers. Through tuning the Fermi energy level of the graphene in each metal-graphene layer separately, the multiple absorption resonances can be dynamically and independently adjusted. With side-by-side arrangement of the gold strips in each supercell, the proposed structure is rendered to be a promising candidate for ultra-wide-band absorber. The extreme bandwidth exceeding 80% absorption up to 7.5THz can be achieved with a dual-layered structure, and the average peak absorption is 88.5% in the wide-band range for lossless insulating interlayer. For a triple-layered structure, the average peak absorption is 84.7% from 27.5 THz to 38.4 THz with a minimum of 60%. The absorption windows can be even further broadened with more metal-graphene layers. All these results will benefit the integrated microstructure research with simple structure and flexible tunability, and the multilayer structure has potential applications in information processing fields such as filtering, sensing, cloaking objects and other multispectral devices.

Cherenkov terahertz radiation from graphene surface plasmon polaritons excited by an electron beam

Abstract: We demonstrate a mechanism of efficiently transforming surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) into Cherenkov terahertz (THz) radiation. In a structure where multilayer graphene is deposited on a dielectric substrate with a buffer layer, the energy of the SPPs can be significantly enhanced. The dispersion of SPPs crosses the light line of the substrate if the buffer layer has a low permittivity relative to the substrate. As a result, the SPPs can be readily transformed into radiation without the need of wavevector compensation. Compared to the radiation from structures without graphene, the radiation power density is enhanced by nearly three orders of magnitude due to the field enhancement of SPPs. Our results could provide a promising way for developing room temperature, tunable, coherent, and intense THz radiation sources to cover the entire THz regime.

Ultrafast Optical-Pump Terahertz-Probe Spectroscopy of the Carrier Relaxation and Recombination Dynamics in Epitaxial Graphene

Abstract: The ultrafast relaxation and recombination dynamics of photogenerated electrons and holes in epitaxial graphene are studied using optical-pump Terahertz-probe spectroscopy. The conductivity in graphene at Terahertz frequencies depends on the carrier concentration as well as the carrier distribution in energy. Time-resolved studies of the conductivity can therefore be used to probe the dynamics associated with carrier intraband relaxation and interband recombination. We report the electron-hole recombination times in epitaxial graphene for the first time. Our results show that carrier cooling occurs on sub-picosecond time scales and that interband recombination times are carrier density dependent.

Efficient plasmonic emission by the quantum Čerenkov effect from hot carriers in graphene

Abstract: Graphene plasmons have been found to be an exciting plasmonic platform, thanks to their high field confinement and low phase velocity, motivating contemporary research to revisit established concepts in light–matter interaction. In a conceptual breakthrough over 80 years old, Cerenkov showed how charged particles emit shockwaves of light when moving faster than the phase velocity of light in a medium. To modern eyes, the Cerenkov effect offers a direct and ultrafast energy conversion scheme from charge particles to photons. The requirement for relativistic particles, however, makes Cerenkov emission inaccessible to most nanoscale electronic and photonic devices. Here we show that graphene plasmons provide the means to overcome this limitation through their low phase velocity and high field confinement. The interaction between the charge carriers flowing inside graphene and the plasmons enables a highly efficient two-dimensional Cerenkov emission, giving a versatile, tunable and ultrafast conversion mechanism from electrical signal to plasmonic excitation.

Method and apparatus for coupling an antenna to a device

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, by a feed point of a dielectric antenna, electromagnetic waves from a dielectric core coupled to the feed point without an electrical return path, where at least a portion of the dielectric antenna comprises a conductive surface, directing, by the feed point, the electromagnetic waves to a proximal portion of the dielectric antenna, and radiating, via an aperture of the dielectric antenna, a wireless signal responsive to the electromagnetic waves being received at the aperture. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Hybrid nanostructures of metal/two-dimensional nanomaterials for plasmon-enhanced applications

Abstract: Hybrid nanostructures composed of graphene or other two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials and plasmonic metal components have been extensively studied. The unusual properties of 2D materials are associated with their atomically thin thickness and 2D morphology, and many impressive structures enable the metal nanomaterials to establish various interesting hybrid nanostructures with outstanding plasmonic properties. In addition, the hybrid nanostructures display unique optical characteristics that are derived from the close conjunction of plasmonic optical effects and the unique physicochemical properties of 2D materials. More importantly, the hybrid nanostructures show several plasmonic electrical effects including an improved photogeneration rate, efficient carrier transfer, and a plasmon-induced "hot carrier", playing a significant role in enhancing device performance. They have been widely studied for plasmon-enhanced optical signals, photocatalysis, photodetectors (PDs), and solar cells. In this review, the developments in the field of metal/2D hybrid nanostructures are comprehensively described. Preparation of hybrid nanostructures is first presented according to the 2D material type, as well as the metal nanomaterial morphology. The plasmonic properties and the enabled applications of the hybrid nanostructures are then described. Lastly, possible future research in this promising field is discussed.

Backhaul link for distributed antenna system

Abstract: A distributed antenna and backhaul system provide network connectivity for a small cell deployment. Rather than building new structures, and installing additional fiber and cable, embodiments described herein disclose using high-bandwidth, millimeter-wave communications and existing power line infrastructure. Above ground backhaul connections via power lines and line-of-sight millimeter-wave band signals as well as underground backhaul connections via buried electrical conduits can provide connectivity to the distributed base stations. An overhead millimeter-wave system can also be used to provide backhaul connectivity. Modules can be placed onto existing infrastructure, such as streetlights and utility poles, and the modules can contain base stations and antennas to transmit the millimeter-waves to and from other modules.