Showing papers on "Terahertz radiation published in 2018"

Terahertz integrated electronic and hybrid electronic–photonic systems

Abstract: The field of terahertz integrated technology has undergone significant development in the past ten years. This has included work on different substrate technologies such as III–V semiconductors and silicon, work on field-effect transistor devices and heterojunction bipolar devices, and work on both fully electronic and hybrid electronic–photonic systems. While approaches in electronic and photonics can often seem distinct, techniques have blended in the terahertz frequency range and many emerging systems can be classified as photonics-inspired or hybrid. Here, we review the development of terahertz integrated electronic and hybrid electronic–photonic systems, examining, in particular, advances that deliver important functionalities for applications in communication, sensing and imaging. Many of the advances in integrated systems have emerged, not from improvements in single devices, but rather from new architectures that are multifunctional and reconfigurable and break the trade-offs of classical approaches to electronic system design. We thus focus on these approaches to capture the diversity of techniques and methodologies in the field. This Review Article examines the development of terahertz integrated electronic and hybrid electronic–photonic systems, considering, in particular, advances that deliver important functionalities for applications in communication, sensing and imaging.

Extremely efficient terahertz high-harmonic generation in graphene by hot Dirac fermions

Abstract: Multiple optical harmonic generation—the multiplication of photon energy as a result of nonlinear interaction between light and matter—is a key technology in modern electronics and optoelectronics, because it allows the conversion of optical or electronic signals into signals with much higher frequency, and the generation of frequency combs. Owing to the unique electronic band structure of graphene, which features massless Dirac fermions1–3, it has been repeatedly predicted that optical harmonic generation in graphene should be particularly efficient at the technologically important terahertz frequencies4–6. However, these predictions have yet to be confirmed experimentally under technologically relevant operation conditions. Here we report the generation of terahertz harmonics up to the seventh order in single-layer graphene at room temperature and under ambient conditions, driven by terahertz fields of only tens of kilovolts per centimetre, and with field conversion efficiencies in excess of 10−3, 10−4 and 10−5 for the third, fifth and seventh terahertz harmonics, respectively. These conversion efficiencies are remarkably high, given that the electromagnetic interaction occurs in a single atomic layer. The key to such extremely efficient generation of terahertz high harmonics in graphene is the collective thermal response of its background Dirac electrons to the driving terahertz fields. The terahertz harmonics, generated via hot Dirac fermion dynamics, were observed directly in the time domain as electromagnetic field oscillations at these newly synthesized higher frequencies. The effective nonlinear optical coefficients of graphene for the third, fifth and seventh harmonics exceed the respective nonlinear coefficients of typical solids by 7–18 orders of magnitude7–9. Our results provide a direct pathway to highly efficient terahertz frequency synthesis using the present generation of graphene electronics, which operate at much lower fundamental frequencies of only a few hundreds of gigahertz. Efficient terahertz harmonic generation—challenging but important for ultrahigh-speed optoelectronic technologies—is demonstrated in graphene through a nonlinear process that could potentially be generalized to other materials.

Combating the Distance Problem in the Millimeter Wave and Terahertz Frequency Bands

Abstract: In the millimeter-wave (30-300 GHz) and terahertz (0.1-10 THz) frequency bands, the high spreading loss and molecular absorption often limit the signal transmission distance and coverage range. In this article, four directions to tackle the crucial problem of distance limitation are investigated, namely, a distance-aware physical layer design, ultra-massive MIMO communication, reflectarrays, and intelligent surfaces. Additionally, the potential joint design of these solutions is proposed to combine the benefits and further extend the communication distance. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations are provided to illustrate the benefits of the proposed solutions. The feasibility of mmWave and THz band communications up to 100 m in both line-of-sight and nonline- of-sight areas are demonstrated.

Terahertz electrical writing speed in an antiferromagnetic memory

Abstract: The speed of writing of state-of-the-art ferromagnetic memories is physically limited by an intrinsic gigahertz threshold. Recently, realization of memory devices based on antiferromagnets, in which spin directions periodically alternate from one atomic lattice site to the next has moved research in an alternative direction. We experimentally demonstrate at room temperature that the speed of reversible electrical writing in a memory device can be scaled up to terahertz using an antiferromagnet. A current-induced spin-torque mechanism is responsible for the switching in our memory devices throughout the 12-order-of-magnitude range of writing speeds from hertz to terahertz. Our work opens the path toward the development of memory-logic technology reaching the elusive terahertz band.

Segmented Terahertz Electron Accelerator and Manipulator (STEAM).

Abstract: Acceleration and manipulation of electron bunches underlie most electron and X-ray devices used for ultrafast imaging and spectroscopy. New terahertz-driven concepts offer orders-of-magnitude improvements in field strengths, field gradients, laser synchronization and compactness relative to conventional radiofrequency devices, enabling shorter electron bunches and higher resolution with less infrastructure while maintaining high charge capacities (pC), repetition rates (kHz) and stability. We present a segmented terahertz electron accelerator and manipulator (STEAM) capable of performing multiple high-field operations on the six-dimensional phase space of ultrashort electron bunches. With this single device, powered by few-microjoule, single-cycle, 0.3 THz pulses, we demonstrate record terahertz acceleration of >30 keV, streaking with 2 kT m–1 strength, compression to ~100 fs as well as real-time switching between these modes of operation. The STEAM device demonstrates the feasibility of terahertz-based electron accelerators, manipulators and diagnostic tools, enabling science beyond current resolution frontiers with transformative impact.

Broadband tunable terahertz absorber based on vanadium dioxide metamaterials.

Abstract: An active absorption device is proposed based on vanadium dioxide metamaterials. By controlling the conductivity of vanadium dioxide, resonant absorbers are designed to work at wide range of terahertz frequencies. Numerical results show that a broadband terahertz absorber with nearly 100% absorptance can be achieved, and its normalized bandwidth of 90% absorptance is 60% under normal incidence for both transverse-electric and transverse-magnetic polarizations when the conductivity of vanadium dioxide is equal to 2000 Ω−1cm−1. Absorptance at peak frequencies can be continuously tuned from 30% to 100% by changing the conductivity from 10 Ω−1cm−1 to 2000 Ω−1cm−1. Absorptance spectra analysis shows a clear independence of polarization and incident angle. The presented results may have tunable spectral applications in sensor, detector, and thermophotovoltaic device working at terahertz frequency bands.

Ultra-Broadband Wide-Angle Terahertz Absorption Properties of 3D Graphene Foam

Abstract: As a next generation of detection technology, terahertz technology is very promising. In this work, a highly efficient terahertz wave absorber based on 3D graphene foam (3DG) is first reported. Excellent terahertz absorption property at frequency ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 THz is obtained owing to faint surface reflection and enormous internal absorption. By precise control of the constant properties for 3DG, the reflection loss (RL) value of 19 dB is acquired and the qualified frequency bandwidth (with RL value over 10 dB) covers 95% of the entire measured bandwidth at normal incidence, which far surpasses most reported materials. More importantly, the terahertz absorption performance of 3DG enhances obviously with increasing the incidence while majority of materials become invalid at oblique incidence, instead. At the incidence of 45°, the maximum RL value increases 50% from 19 to 28.6 dB and the qualified frequency bandwidth covers 100% of the measured bandwidth. After considering all core indicators involving density, qualified bandwidth, and RL values, the specific average terahertz absorption (SATA) property is investigated. The SATA value of 3DG is over 3000 times higher than those of other materials in open literatures.

A Novel Approach for Spectroscopic Chemical Identification Using Photonic Crystal Fiber in the Terahertz Regime

Abstract: A novel highly sensitive porous core-photonic crystal fiber (PC-PCF) has been designed and analyzed for detection of chemical analytes in the terahertz frequency range. The PC-PCF is designed using rectangular structured air holes in the core with a kagome structured cladding. The full vectorial finite-element method is used to tune the geometrical parameters and to characterize the fiber. Our results demonstrate a high relative chemical sensitivity with significantly lower confinement loss for different analytes. Moreover, the PCF shows near zero dispersion variation, high modal effective area, high birefringence, and high numerical aperture. The practical realization of the fiber is feasible with present fabrication techniques. Our optimized PCF has commercial applications in chemical sensing as well as applications in terahertz systems that require guided polarization preserving transmission.

Gate-tunable frequency combs in graphene-nitride microresonators

Abstract: Optical frequency combs, which emit pulses of light at discrete, equally spaced frequencies, are cornerstones of modern-day frequency metrology, precision spectroscopy, astronomical observations, ultrafast optics and quantum information1–7. Chip-scale frequency combs, based on the Kerr and Raman nonlinearities in monolithic microresonators with ultrahigh quality factors8–10, have recently led to progress in optical clockwork and observations of temporal cavity solitons11–14. But the chromatic dispersion within a laser cavity, which determines the comb formation15,16, is usually difficult to tune with an electric field, whether in microcavities or fibre cavities. Such electrically dynamic control could bridge optical frequency combs and optoelectronics, enabling diverse comb outputs in one resonator with fast and convenient tunability. Arising from its exceptional Fermi–Dirac tunability and ultrafast carrier mobility17–19, graphene has a complex optical dispersion determined by its optical conductivity, which can be tuned through a gate voltage20,21. This has brought about optoelectronic advances such as modulators22,23, photodetectors 24 and controllable plasmonics25,26. Here we demonstrate the gated intracavity tunability of graphene-based optical frequency combs, by coupling the gate-tunable optical conductivity to a silicon nitride photonic microresonator, thus modulating its second- and higher-order chromatic dispersions by altering the Fermi level. Preserving cavity quality factors up to 106 in the graphene-based comb, we implement a dual-layer ion-gel-gated transistor to tune the Fermi level of graphene across the range 0.45–0.65 electronvolts, under single-volt-level control. We use this to produce charge-tunable primary comb lines from 2.3 terahertz to 7.2 terahertz, coherent Kerr frequency combs, controllable Cherenkov radiation and controllable soliton states, all in a single microcavity. We further demonstrate voltage-tunable transitions from periodic soliton crystals to crystals with defects, mapped by our ultrafast second-harmonic optical autocorrelation. This heterogeneous graphene microcavity, which combines single-atomic-layer nanoscience and ultrafast optoelectronics, will help to improve our understanding of dynamical frequency combs and ultrafast optics. Coupling graphene sheets with a silicon nitride ring microresonator allows the nonlinear cavity dynamics to be altered by a gate voltage, resulting in tunable, chip-scale, optical frequency combs.

Reflective chiral meta-holography: multiplexing holograms for circularly polarized waves

Abstract: By allowing almost arbitrary distributions of amplitude and phase of electromagnetic waves to be generated by a layer of sub-wavelength-size unit cells, metasurfaces have given rise to the field of meta-holography. However, holography with circularly polarized waves remains complicated as the achiral building blocks of existing meta-holograms inevitably contribute to holographic images generated by both left-handed and right-handed waves. Here we demonstrate how planar chirality enables the fully independent realization of high-efficiency meta-holograms for one circular polarization or the other. Such circular-polarization-selective meta-holograms are based on chiral building blocks that reflect either left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized waves with an orientation-dependent phase. Using terahertz waves, we experimentally demonstrate that this allows the straightforward design of reflective phase meta-holograms, where the use of alternating structures of opposite handedness yields independent holographic images for circularly polarized waves of opposite handedness with negligible polarization cross-talk.

All-optical active THz metasurfaces for ultrafast polarization switching and dynamic beam splitting

Abstract: Miniaturized ultrafast switchable optical components with an extremely compact size and a high-speed response will be the core of next-generation all-optical devices instead of traditional integrated circuits, which are approaching the bottleneck of Moore’s Law. Metasurfaces have emerged as fascinating subwavelength flat optical components and devices for light focusing and holography applications. However, these devices exhibit a severe limitation due to their natural passive response. Here we introduce an active hybrid metasurface integrated with patterned semiconductor inclusions for all-optical active control of terahertz waves. Ultrafast modulation of polarization states and the beam splitting ratio are experimentally demonstrated on a time scale of 667 ps. This scheme of hybrid metasurfaces could also be extended to the design of various free-space all-optical active devices, such as varifocal planar lenses, switchable vector beam generators, and components for holography in ultrafast imaging, display, and high-fidelity terahertz wireless communication systems. All-optical control and manipulation of terahertz waves is now possible thanks to the development of custom-designed, dynamic reconfigurable metasurfaces. Realized by Longqing Cong and coworkers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Tianjin University in China, the metasurfaces enable ultrafast (sub-nanosecond) polarization switching and beam splitting. They consist of an array of miniature aluminum-coated silicon split-ring resonators on a sapphire substrate. Illumination with short pulses of an infrared “pump beam” causes charge carriers in the silicon patch of the microring to transition from the valence to the conduction band, temporarily changing the photoconductivity and thus switching the transmission of the metasurface between “off” and “on” states for a polarized terahertz wave. Such high-speed switching of polarization is expected to be useful for applications such as data-encoding and multiplexing in a terahertz communications system as well as holography.

Reconfigurable MEMS Fano metasurfaces with multiple-input-output states for logic operations at terahertz frequencies.

Abstract: A broad range of dynamic metasurfaces has been developed for manipulating the intensity, phase and wavefront of electromagnetic radiation from microwaves to optical frequencies. However, most of these metasurfaces operate in single-input–output state. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a reconfigurable MEMS Fano resonant metasurface possessing multiple-input–output (MIO) states that performs logic operations with two independently controlled electrical inputs and an optical readout at terahertz frequencies. The far-field behaviour of Fano resonance exhibits XOR and XNOR operations, while the near-field resonant confinement enables the NAND operation. The MIO configuration resembling hysteresis-type closed-loop behaviour is realized through inducing electromechanically tuneable out-of-plane anisotropy in the near-field coupling of constituent resonator structures. The XOR metamaterial gate possesses potential applications in cryptographically secured terahertz wireless communication networks. Furthermore, the MIO features could lay the foundation for the realization of programmable and randomly accessible metamaterials with enhanced electro-optical performance across terahertz, infrared and optical frequencies. Here, the authors demonstrate excitation and active tuning of sharp Fano resonances in a MEMS reconfigurable metasurface possessing multiple-input-output states. They realize XOR, XNOR, NOT and NAND logic gate operations by using two independently controllable electrical inputs and an optical readout using terahertz beam.

Resonant Terahertz Detection Using Graphene Plasmons

Abstract: Plasmons, collective oscillations of electron systems, can efficiently couple light and electric current, and thus can be used to create sub-wavelength photodetectors, radiation mixers, and on-chip spectrometers. Despite considerable effort, it has proven challenging to implement plasmonic devices operating at terahertz frequencies. The material capable to meet this challenge is graphene as it supports long-lived electrically-tunable plasmons. Here we demonstrate plasmon-assisted resonant detection of terahertz radiation by antenna-coupled graphene transistors that act as both plasmonic Fabry-Perot cavities and rectifying elements. By varying the plasmon velocity using gate voltage, we tune our detectors between multiple resonant modes and exploit this functionality to measure plasmon wavelength and lifetime in bilayer graphene as well as to probe collective modes in its moire minibands. Our devices offer a convenient tool for further plasmonic research that is often exceedingly difficult under non-ambient conditions (e.g. cryogenic temperatures and strong magnetic fields) and promise a viable route for various photonic applications.

Hybridization-induced broadband terahertz wave absorption with graphene metasurfaces.

Abstract: Electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption plays a vital role in photonics. While metasurfaces are proposed to absorb EM waves efficiently, most of them exhibit limited bandwidth and fixed functionalities. Here, we propose a broadband and tunable terahertz (THz) absorber based on a graphene-based metasurface, which is constructed by a single layer of closely patterned graphene concentric double rings and a metallic mirror separated by an ultrathin SiO2 layer. Plasmonic hybridization between two graphene rings significantly enlarges the absorption bandwidth, which can be further tuned by gating the graphene. Moreover, the specific design also makes our device insensitive to the incident angle and polarization state of impinging EM waves. Our results may inspire certain wave-modulation-related applications, such as THz imaging, smart absorber, tunable sensor, etc.

Subcycle observation of lightwave-driven Dirac currents in a topological surface band

Abstract: Harnessing the carrier wave of light as an alternating-current bias may enable electronics at optical clock rates1. Lightwave-driven currents have been assumed to be essential for high-harmonic generation in solids2-6, charge transport in nanostructures7,8, attosecond-streaking experiments9-16 and atomic-resolution ultrafast microscopy17,18. However, in conventional semiconductors and dielectrics, the finite effective mass and ultrafast scattering of electrons limit their ballistic excursion and velocity. The Dirac-like, quasi-relativistic band structure of topological insulators19-29 may allow these constraints to be lifted and may thus open a new era of lightwave electronics. To understand the associated, complex motion of electrons, comprehensive experimental access to carrier-wave-driven currents is crucial. Here we report angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with subcycle time resolution that enables us to observe directly how the carrier wave of a terahertz light pulse accelerates Dirac fermions in the band structure of the topological surface state of Bi2Te3. While terahertz streaking of photoemitted electrons traces the electromagnetic field at the surface, the acceleration of Dirac states leads to a strong redistribution of electrons in momentum space. The inertia-free surface currents are protected by spin-momentum locking and reach peak densities as large as two amps per centimetre, with ballistic mean free paths of several hundreds of nanometres, opening up a realistic parameter space for all-coherent lightwave-driven electronic devices. Furthermore, our subcycle-resolution analysis of the band structure may greatly improve our understanding of electron dynamics and strong-field interaction in solids.

Electromagnetically induced transparency control in terahertz metasurfaces based on bright-bright mode coupling

Abstract: We demonstrate a classical analog of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a highly flexible planar terahertz metamaterial (MM) comprised of three-gap split-ring resonators. The keys to achieve EIT in this system are the frequency detuning and hybridization processes between two bright modes coexisting in the same unit cell as opposed to bright-dark modes. We present experimental verification of two bright modes coupling for a terahertz EIT-MM in the context of numerical results and theoretical analysis based on a coupled Lorentz oscillator model. In addition, a hybrid variation of the EIT-MM is proposed and implemented numerically to dynamically tune the EIT window by incorporating photosensitive silicon pads in the split gap region of the resonators. As a result, this hybrid MM enables the active optical control of a transition from the on state (EIT mode) to the off state (dipole mode).

Terahertz detection of alcohol using a photonic crystal fiber sensor.

Abstract: Ethanol is widely used in chemical industrial processes as well as in the food and beverage industry. Therefore, methods of detecting alcohol must be accurate, precise, and reliable. In this content, a novel Zeonex-based photonic crystal fiber (PCF) has been modeled and analyzed for ethanol detection in terahertz frequency range. A finite-element-method-based simulation of the PCF sensor shows a high relative sensitivity of 68.87% with negligible confinement loss of 7.79×10−12 cm−1 at 1 THz frequency and x-polarization mode. Moreover, the core power fraction, birefringence, effective material loss, dispersion, and numerical aperture are also determined in the terahertz frequency range. Owing to the simple fiber structure, existing fabrication methods are feasible. With the outstanding waveguiding properties, the proposed sensor can potentially be used in ethanol detection, as well as polarization-preserving applications of terahertz waves.

Metal-Insulator-Metal-Based Plasmonic Metamaterial Absorbers at Visible and Infrared Wavelengths: A Review

Abstract: Electromagnetic wave absorbers have been investigated for many years with the aim of achieving high absorbance and tunability of both the absorption wavelength and the operation mode by geometrical control, small and thin absorber volume, and simple fabrication. There is particular interest in metal-insulator-metal-based plasmonic metamaterial absorbers (MIM-PMAs) due to their complete fulfillment of these demands. MIM-PMAs consist of top periodic micropatches, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom reflector layer to generate strong localized surface plasmon resonance at absorption wavelengths. In particular, in the visible and infrared (IR) wavelength regions, a wide range of applications is expected, such as solar cells, refractive index sensors, optical camouflage, cloaking, optical switches, color pixels, thermal IR sensors, IR microscopy and gas sensing. The promising properties of MIM-PMAs are attributed to the simple plasmonic resonance localized at the top micropatch resonators formed by the MIMs. Here, various types of MIM-PMAs are reviewed in terms of their historical background, basic physics, operation mode design, and future challenges to clarify their underlying basic design principles and introduce various applications. The principles presented in this review paper can be applied to other wavelength regions such as the ultraviolet, terahertz, and microwave regions.

Tutorial: Terahertz beamforming, from concepts to realizations

Abstract: The terahertz range possesses significant untapped potential for applications including high-volume wireless communications, noninvasive medical imaging, sensing, and safe security screening However, due to the unique characteristics and constraints of terahertz waves, the vast majority of these applications are entirely dependent upon the availability of beam control techniques Thus, the development of advanced terahertz-range beam control techniques yields a range of useful and unparalleled applications This article provides an overview and tutorial on terahertz beam control The underlying principles of wavefront engineering include array antenna theory and diffraction optics, which are drawn from the neighboring microwave and optical regimes, respectively As both principles are applicable across the electromagnetic spectrum, they are reconciled in this overview This provides a useful foundation for investigations into beam control in the terahertz range, which lies between microwaves and infrared

Enhanced Terahertz Shielding of MXenes with Nano-Metamaterials

Abstract: DOI: 10.1002/adom.201701076 THz electronics and devices.[12] Recently, nonlinear optical phenomena using high power THz sources[13] and THz plasmonics[14] have been intensively explored. However, electromagnetic interference (EMI) often generated from those THz devices must be shielded in order to protect device and its surroundings.[15] In general, electrically conductive materials, such as carbon and their composites, have been used and shown to have promising EMI shielding capabilities in the range of THz frequencies.[15] Recently, 2D transition metal carbide (MXene) has shown excellent shielding performance in the microwave regime.[16–19] Among all, a thin film of Ti3C2Tx MXenes (≈1.5 μm) can block 99.99% EM waves showing the highest EMI shielding efficiency (EMI SE) for materials of comparable thicknesses.[19] Han et al. reported a composite of Ti3C2Tx in wax which delivers an EMI SE value of 76.1 dB with a thickness of only 1 mm.[18] Qing et al. reported the microwave absorption properties of a Ti3C2Tx filled polymer composite, where a reflection loss value of −11 dB was recorded in Ku band for a 1.4 mm thick sample.[17] Han et al., in another report, developed laminated carbon/TiO2 structures derived from Ti3C2Tx MXenes Terahertz (THz) shielding becomes increasingly important with the growing development of THz electronics and devices. Primarily materials based on carbon nanostructures or polymer–carbon nanocomposites have been explored for this application. Herein, significantly enhanced THz shielding efficiencies for 2D titanium carbide (Ti3C2 MXene) thin films with nanoscale THz metamaterials are presented. Nanoscale slot antenna arrays with strong resonances at certain frequencies enhance THz electromagnetic waves up to three orders of magnitude in transmission, which in turn enormously increases the shielding performance in combination with MXene films. Drop-casting of a colloidal solution of MXene (a few micrograms of dry material) can produce an ultrathin film (several tens of nanometers in thickness) on a slot antenna array. Consequently, THz waves strongly localized in the near-field regime by the slot antenna undergo enhanced absorption through the film with a magnified effective refractive index. Finally, the combination of an ultrathin MXene film and a nano-metamaterial shows excellent shielding performance in the THz range.

THz photonics in two dimensional materials and metamaterials: properties, devices and prospects

Abstract: Terahertz radiation refers to a broad electromagnetic spectrum range between microwave and infrared waves, which is also known as the terahertz gap due to inadequate materials and technologies for its generation and manipulation. Atomically thin two dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, black phosphorus (BP) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provide a powerful platform for manipulation of the propagation and detection of terahertz waves. Furthermore, hybrid metamaterials that feature the combination of artificially engineered metamaterials and 2D materials greatly facilitate the dynamic modulation or manipulation of THz radiation towards novel terahertz applications. Herein, we review recent progress in 2D materials in the terahertz domain and hybrid metamaterials with engineered functionalities through the incorporation of graphene, TMDs and BP. The emerging THz devices based on the modulation, nonlinearity, filtering, and plasmonics of 2D materials and metamaterials will be highlighted, and a brief discussion with perspectives and the remaining challenges will be concluded.

Resonant terahertz detection using graphene plasmons

Abstract: Plasmons, collective oscillations of electron systems, can efficiently couple light and electric current, and thus can be used to create sub-wavelength photodetectors, radiation mixers, and on-chip spectrometers. Despite considerable effort, it has proven challenging to implement plasmonic devices operating at terahertz frequencies. The material capable to meet this challenge is graphene as it supports long-lived electrically tunable plasmons. Here we demonstrate plasmon-assisted resonant detection of terahertz radiation by antenna-coupled graphene transistors that act as both plasmonic Fabry-Perot cavities and rectifying elements. By varying the plasmon velocity using gate voltage, we tune our detectors between multiple resonant modes and exploit this functionality to measure plasmon wavelength and lifetime in bilayer graphene as well as to probe collective modes in its moire minibands. Our devices offer a convenient tool for further plasmonic research that is often exceedingly difficult under non-ambient conditions (e.g. cryogenic temperatures) and promise a viable route for various photonic applications. Plasmons confined in field effect transistors were long envisioned for resonant detection of light at THz frequencies, however realization of such photodetectors has proven challenging. Here, the authors fabricate antenna-coupled graphene transistors which exhibit resonant photoresponse to incident radiation and use them to study plasmons in graphene and its moire superlattices.

Probing the interatomic potential of solids with strong-field nonlinear phononics

Abstract: Nonlinear optical techniques at visible frequencies have long been applied to condensed matter spectroscopy. However, because many important excitations of solids are found at low energies, much can be gained from the extension of nonlinear optics to mid-infrared and terahertz frequencies. For example, the nonlinear excitation of lattice vibrations has enabled the dynamic control of material functions. So far it has only been possible to exploit second-order phonon nonlinearities at terahertz field strengths near one million volts per centimetre. Here we achieve an order-of-magnitude increase in field strength and explore higher-order phonon nonlinearities. We excite up to five harmonics of the A1 (transverse optical) phonon mode in the ferroelectric material lithium niobate. By using ultrashort mid-infrared laser pulses to drive the atoms far from their equilibrium positions, and measuring the large-amplitude atomic trajectories, we can sample the interatomic potential of lithium niobate, providing a benchmark for ab initio calculations for the material. Tomography of the energy surface by high-order nonlinear phononics could benefit many aspects of materials research, including the study of classical and quantum phase transitions.

Photo-induced superconductivity

Abstract: Recent advances in laser technology have made it possible to generate of precisely shaped strong-field pulses at terahertz frequencies. These pulses are especially useful to selectively drive collective modes of solids, for example, to drive materials in a fashion similar to what done in the synthetic environment of optical lattices. One of the most interesting applications involves the creation of non-equilibrium phases with new emergent properties. Here, I discuss coherent control of the lattice to favour superconductivity at ‘ultra-high’ temperatures, sometimes far above the thermodynamic critical temperature Tc.

Optimized Spintronic Terahertz Emitters Based on Epitaxial Grown Fe/Pt Layer Structures

Abstract: We report on generation of pulsed broadband terahertz radiation utilizing the inverse spin hall effect in Fe/Pt bilayers on MgO and sapphire substrates. The emitter was optimized with respect to layer thickness, growth parameters, substrates and geometrical arrangement. The experimentally determined optimum layer thicknesses were in qualitative agreement with simulations of the spin current induced in the ferromagnetic layer. Our model takes into account generation of spin polarization, spin diffusion and accumulation in Fe and Pt and electrical as well as optical properties of the bilayer samples. Using the device in a counterintuitive orientation a Si lens was attached to increase the collection efficiency of the emitter. The optimized emitter provided a bandwidth of up to 8 THz which was mainly limited by the low-temperature-grown GaAs (LT-GaAS) photoconductive antenna used as detector and the pulse length of the pump laser. The THz pulse length was as short as 220 fs for a sub 100 fs pulse length of the 800 nm pump laser. Average pump powers as low as 25 mW (at a repetition rate of 75 MHz) have been used for terahertz generation. This and the general performance make the spintronic terahertz emitter compatible with established emitters based on optical rectification in nonlinear crystals.

Broadband gate-tunable terahertz plasmons in graphene heterostructures

Abstract: Graphene, a unique two-dimensional material comprising carbon in a honeycomb lattice 1 , has brought breakthroughs across electronics, mechanics and thermal transport, driven by the quasiparticle Dirac fermions obeying a linear dispersion 2,3 . Here, we demonstrate a counter-pumped all-optical difference frequency process to coherently generate and control terahertz plasmons in atomic-layer graphene with octave-level tunability and high efficiency. We leverage the inherent surface asymmetry of graphene for strong second-order nonlinear polarizability 4,5 , which, together with tight plasmon field confinement, enables a robust difference frequency signal at terahertz frequencies. The counter-pumped resonant process on graphene uniquely achieves both energy and momentum conservation. Consequently, we demonstrate a dual-layer graphene heterostructure with terahertz charge- and gate-tunability over an octave, from 4.7 THz to 9.4 THz, bounded only by the pump amplifier optical bandwidth. Theoretical modelling supports our single-volt-level gate tuning and optical-bandwidth-bounded 4.7 THz phase-matching measurements through the random phase approximation, with phonon coupling, saturable absorption and below the Landau damping, to predict and understand graphene plasmon physics. An all-optical difference frequency process is exploited to generate terahertz graphene plasmons that are tunable over an octave.