Progress on reconfigurable terahertz metasurface devices based on sulfide phase change materials

Zhang Shoujun; Cao Tun; Tian Zhen

doi:10.12086/oee.2023.230142

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Zhang S J, Cao T, Tian Z. Progress on reconfigurable terahertz metasurface devices based on sulfide phase change materials[J]. Opto-Electron Eng, 2023, 50(9): 230142. doi: 10.12086/oee.2023.230142

Citation:

Zhang S J, Cao T, Tian Z. Progress on reconfigurable terahertz metasurface devices based on sulfide phase change materials[J]. Opto-Electron Eng, 2023, 50(9): 230142. doi: 10.12086/oee.2023.230142

Progress on reconfigurable terahertz metasurface devices based on sulfide phase change materials

1.
Center for Terahertz Waves and School of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
2.
Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information Technology (Ministry of Education of China), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
3.
School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
4.
Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute (GTSI), Tianjin University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518067, China

Fund Project: Project supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (62235013), Tianjin Municipal Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (20JCJQJC00190), Key Fund of Shenzhen Natural Science Foundation (JCYJ20200109150212515), and International Science and Technology Independent Cooperation Project of Shenzhen (GJHZ20210705142401004)

More Information

^*Corresponding authors: caotun1806@dlut.edu.cn; tianzhen@tju.edu.cn

Received Date 20 June 2023

Revised Date 31 July 2023

Accepted Date 08 August 2023

Available Online 18 October 2023

Published Date 03 November 2023

Abstract

Abstract

Metasurfaces play an important role in controlling the amplitude, phase, polarization, and complex wavefront of electromagnetic waves. Dynamic tunable devices can be realized by combining various active modulation means. However, most of the existing reconfigurable devices have volatile properties that require a constant stimulus to maintain. The chalcogenide phase-change material Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ (GST) has the characteristics of non-volatility, reconfigurability, and large optical contrast, which can be used to achieve tunable metasurface devices. In this review, we review the recent research progress of GST-based terahertz (THz) metasurface devices and introduce the spectral characteristics and reversible phase transition conditions of GST in the THz band. Furthermore, we systematically summarizes the relevant works on non-volatile, reconfigurable, and multi-level manipulation of THz amplitude, polarization, and wavefront by combining GST with metasurfaces. Finally, the future development prospects and challenges are discussed. The non-volatile nature of GST provides a new path to achieve non-volatile reconfigurable THz devices with low energy consumption, while its ultra-fast volatility can be used for next-generation high-speed communication.
- phase change material /
- metasurface /
- terahertz /
- reconfigurable

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References

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Overview

Overview

We review the process on reconfigurable terahertz metasurface devices based on sulfide phase-change materials. Currently, most existing reconfigurable metasurfaces are limited by their volatile properties and single functionality, which hinder their applications in advanced photonics. The chalcogenide phase-change material Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ (GST) exhibits non-volatility, reconfigurability, and large optical contrast, which can be used to realize tunable metasurface devices.

Firstly, the reversible phase transition of GST was realized in the terahertz band, its terahertz spectral characteristics were tested, and a multi-level memory device was realized.

One-dimensional or multi-dimensional dynamic modulation of the amplitude, phase, and polarization of terahertz waves can be achieved by combining GST with metasurfaces. Multilevel modulation of Fano resonances can be achieved by combining GST with asymmetric split-ring resonators and inducing phase transitions of GST. Using electrical excitation, a spatial light modulator with 2×2 pixels can be realized. The use of metasurfaces to achieve electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) has attracted widespread attention, and placing GST at the openings can achieve multi-level modulation of the transmission amplitude. Extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) on metasurfaces is an important research area for controlling the amplitude of terahertz waves. The subwavelength gold hole array plays an important role in the coupling of surface plasmons on the gold surface, and the resonant coupling of EOT can be controlled by placing the GST under the gold hole. In the amorphous state, the conductivity is low, which has little effect on EOT. In the crystalline state, the conductivity is high, which reduces the transmission. By incorporating GST, tunable plasmonic dimers are proposed. The structure consists of two trapezoidal metal rings connected by GST islands. Near-field coupling occurs between the two metal rings, and the active modulation of the resonant mode can be achieved by changing the conductivity of the GST islands.

The use of metasurfaces to realize the modulation of the polarization of terahertz waves has important application fields. Chiral switching can be achieved by combining GST with a bilayer structure. Realizing the polarization conversion of linear polarization is of great significance for the realization of applications such as terahertz polarizers. Combining the phase-change characteristics of GST can further realize the switching of dual functions. Combined with flexible substrates, flexible polarization conversion devices can also be realized.

The modulation of terahertz wavefront by metasurface structures is of great significance for the realization of terahertz wave anomalous deflectors, focusing lenses, and vortex devices. The phase modulation of the terahertz wave can be realized by using the metal structure, and the wavefront modulation of the terahertz wave can be realized by combining the phase-change characteristics of GST, including two-dimensional modulation of intensity and phase.