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Abstract One of the main bottlenecks in the development of terahertz (THz) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) technologies is the limited intrinsic response of traditional materials. Hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPhPs) of van der Waals semiconductors couple strongly with THz and LWIR radiation. However, the mismatch of photon − polariton momentum makes far-field excitation of HPhPs challenging. Here, we propose an In-Plane Hyperbolic Polariton Tuner that is based on patterning van der Waals semiconductors, here α-MoO3, into ribbon arrays. We demonstrate that such tuners respond directly to far-field excitation and give rise to LWIR and THz resonances with high quality factors up to 300, which are strongly dependent on in-plane hyperbolic polariton of the patterned α-MoO3. We further show that with this tuner, intensity regulation of reflected and transmitted electromagnetic waves, as well as their wavelength and polarization selection can be achieved. Our results can help the development of THz and LWIR miniaturized devices.
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Polariton Photonics Using Structured Metals and 2D Materials
Abstract Polaritons are quasiparticles originating from strong interactions between photons and elementary excitations that could enable high tunability, tight electromagnetic field confinement, and large density of photonic states, making it possible to achieve novel and otherwise inaccessible functionalities. For these reasons, polaritons spawn great interest in the fields of physics, materials science, and optics for both fundamental studies as well as potential applications (e.g., modulators, photodetectors, photoluminescence, etc.). In recent years, the explosive growth of research in graphene and other 2D van der Waals materials is witnessed because they provide a new platform that substantially complements conventional metals, dielectrics, and semiconductors to investigate different polariton modes. This review highlights the works published in recent years on the topic of polariton photonics based on structured metals, graphene, and transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). The exotic optical properties of the polaritons in metallic structures and 2D van der Waals materials offer bright prospects for the development of high‐performance photonic and optoelectronic devices.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1654192
- PAR ID:
- 10457950
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Advanced Optical Materials
- Volume:
- 8
- Issue:
- 5
- ISSN:
- 2195-1071
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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