Compact Metasurface Terahertz Spectrometer

The electromagnetic spectrum in the terahertz frequency region is of significant importance for understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies and stars throughout the history of the universe and the process of planet formation. Within the star forming clouds the constituent atoms and molecul...

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Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Ji, Wenye, Chang, Jin, Mirzaei, Behnam, Ridder, Marcel, Jellema, Willem, Kao, Wilt, Lee, Alan, Jian Rong Gao, Urbach, Paul, Adam, Aurele J L
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 05.09.2023
Subjects
Absorption
Galactic evolution
Galaxies
Laser arrays
Metasurfaces
Planet formation
Quantum cascade lasers
Spectral signatures
Spectrometers
Star formation
Stellar evolution
Terahertz frequencies
Water vapor
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Summary:The electromagnetic spectrum in the terahertz frequency region is of significant importance for understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies and stars throughout the history of the universe and the process of planet formation. Within the star forming clouds the constituent atoms and molecules are excited to produce characteristic emission and absorption lines, many of which happen at the terahertz frequencies. Thus, detecting the spectral signatures as unique fingerprints of molecules and atoms require terahertz spectrometers, which need to be operated in a space observatory because of the water vapor absorption in the earth atmosphere. However, current terahertz spectrometers face several challenges that limit their performances and applications, including a low resolution, limited bandwidth, large volume, and complexity. In this paper, we address the last two issues by demonstrating a concept of a compact terahertz spectrometer using metasurface. We start by modelling, designing, and fabricating a metasurface, aiming to optimize its performance within a band from 1.7 to 2.5 THz. Next, we make use of an array of quantum cascade lasers that operate at slightly different frequencies around 2.1 THz to validate the performance of the spectrometer. Finally, we apply the spectrum inversion method to analyse the measured data to confirm a resolution R of at least 273. Our results demonstrated a miniaturized terahertz spectrometer concept successfully.
ISSN:2331-8422