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Programmable Terahertz Metamaterials with Non‐Volatile Memory
Author(s) -
Chen Benwen,
Wu Jingbo,
Li Weili,
Zhang Caihong,
Fan Kebin,
Xue Qiang,
Chi Yaojia,
Wen Qiye,
Jin Biaobing,
Chen Jian,
Wu Peiheng
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
laser and photonics reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.778
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1863-8899
pISSN - 1863-8880
DOI - 10.1002/lpor.202100472
Subject(s) - terahertz radiation , metamaterial , pixel , optoelectronics , optics , materials science , computer science , physics
Spatial light modulators (SLMs) exhibit a powerful capability of controlling electromagnetic waves. They are found to have numerous applications at terahertz (THz) frequencies, including wireless communication, digital holography, and compressive imaging. However, the development toward large‐scale, multi‐level, and multi‐functional THz SLM encounters technical challenges. Here, an electrically programmable THz metamaterial consisting of an array of 8×8 pixels is presented, in which the phase change material of vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ) is embedded. After successfully suppressing the crosstalk from adjacent pixels, the THz wave can be modulated in a programmable manner. The switching speed of each pixel is in the order of 1 kHz. In particular, utilizing the hysteresis effect of VO 2 , the memory effect is demonstrated. The THz amplitude of each pixel can be written and erased by individual current pulses. Furthermore, multi‐state THz images can be generated and stored. This programmable metamaterial with memory function can be extended to other frequency bands and opens a route for electromagnetic information processing.