Broadband large-modulation-depth low-current-triggered terahertz intensity modulator based on VO2 embedded hybrid metamaterials

• DOI: 10.7567/apex.11.092004
• Publication Date: 2018-08-24T10:14:50Z
• Authors: Fangrong Hu; Yuanyuan Li; Xinlong Xu; Yuan Zhou; Ying Chen; Peidong Zhu; Shuai Zhao; Wenying Jiang; Wentao Zhang; Jiaguang Han; Yuanzhi Chen
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology

We experimentally demonstrate a broadband terahertz (THz) intensity modulator operating at low current and frequency range. The modulator consists of VO2 and meander–wire hybrid metamaterials. The measured 3-dB bandwidth for normal incidence is 0.5 THz, while the maximum modulation depth of 99% is achieved at 0.28 A. The physical mechanism of the device's electrical tunability is attributed to an ohmic-heating-induced transition. An equivalent circuit model is proposed for the upper cut-off frequency. This scheme paves the way for a full electric control of the intensity of a THz wave at a broad band, low current, and low frequency range.