Open AccessEnhanced THz radiation emission from plasmonic complementary Sierpinski fractal emitters
Author(s) -
P. Maraghechi,
A. Y. Elezzabi
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.027336
Subject(s) - terahertz radiation , sierpinski triangle , optics , plasmon , surface plasmon , materials science , optoelectronics , antenna (radio) , fractal antenna , wavelength , radiation , fractal , surface plasmon polariton , radiation pattern , physics , telecommunications , antenna efficiency , mathematical analysis , mathematics , computer science
We present a new class of plasmonic photoconductive THz emitters based on a complementary Sierpinski gasket fractal geometry. Due to the presence of sub-wavelength perforations on the surface of the antenna, these antennae operate in the plasmonic regime. By utilizing the unique self-similar and space filling of the tailored fractal surface and the plasmonic surface current spatial distribution, photoconductive THz emitters exhibiting superior performance (~80% increase in the emitted THz radiation power) to conventional bow-tie and Sierpinski gasket THz emitters are demonstrated. It is shown that the self-similarity of the surface plasmon current present on the antenna surface is responsible for this emission enhancement.