arXiv subjects

Costas M. Soukoulis

Publications and source records attributed to Costas M. Soukoulis.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Metasurfaces with Interleaved Electric and Magnetic Resonances for Broadband Arbitrary Group Delay in Reflection

Metasurfaces impart phase discontinuities on impinging electromagnetic waves that are typically limited to 0-2$π$. Here, we show that they can break free from this limitation and supply arbitrarily-large phase modulation over ultra-wide bandwidths. This is achieved by implementing multiple, properly-arranged resonances in the electric and magnetic sheet admittivities. We demonstrate metasurfaces that can perfectly reflect a broadband pulse imparting a prescribed group delay without distorting the pulse shape, opening new possibilities for temporal control and dispersion engineering across deeply subwavelength physical scales.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

Software-Defined Metasurface Paradigm: Concept, Challenges, Prospects

HyperSurfaces (HSFs) are devices whose electromagnetic (EM) behavior is software-driven, i.e., it can be defined programmatically. The key components of this emerging technology are the metasurfaces, artificial layered materials whose EM properties depend on their internal subwavelength structuring. HSFs merge metasurfaces with a network of miniaturized custom electronic controllers, the nanonetwork, in an integrated scalable hardware platform. The nanonetwork receives external programmatic commands expressing the desired end-functionality and appropriately alters the metasurface configuration thus yielding the respective EM behavior for the HSF. In this work, we will present all the components of the HSF paradigm, as well as highlight the underlying challenges and future prospects.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Chiral metamaterials with PT symmetry and beyond

Optical systems with gain and loss that respect Parity-Time (PT) symmetry can have real eigenvalues despite their non-Hermitian character. Chiral systems impose circularly polarized waves which do not preserve their handedness under the combined space- and time- reversal operations and, as a result, seem to be incompatible with systems possessing PT symmetry. Nevertheless, in this work we show that in certain configurations, PT symmetric permittivity, permeability and chirality is possible; in addition, real eigenvalues are maintained even if the chirality goes well beyond PT symmetry. By obtaining all three constitutive parameters in realistic chiral metamaterials through simulations and retrieval, we show that the chirality can be tailored independently of permittivity and permeability; thus, in such systems, a wide control of new optical properties including advanced polarization control is achieved.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

Investigation of broadband terahertz generation from metasurface

The nonlinear metamaterials have been shown to provide nonlinear properties with high nonlinear conversion efficiency and in a myriad of light manipulation. Here we study terahertz generation from nonlinear metasurface consisting of single layer nanoscale split-ring resonator array. The terahertz generation due to optical rectification by the second-order nonlinearity of the split-ring resonator is investigated by a time-domain implementation of the hydrodynamic model for electron dynamics in metal. The results show that the nonlinear metasurface enables us to generate broadband terahertz radiation and free from quasi-phase-matching conditions. The proposed scheme provides a new concept of broadband THz source and designing nonlinear plasmonic metamaterials.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

Electronic, optical and transport properties of van der Waals Transition-metal Dichalcogenides Heterostructures: A First-principle Study

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) MX$_2$ (M = Mo, W; X= S, Se, Te) possess unique properties and novel applications. In this work, we perform first-principles calculations on the van der Waals (vdW) stacked MX$_2$ heterostructures to investigate their electronic, optical and transport properties systematically. We perform the so-called Anderson's rule to classify the heterostructures by providing the scheme of the construction of energy band diagrams for the heterostructure consisting of two semiconductor materials. For most of the MX$_2$ heterostructures, the conduction band maximum (CBM) and valence band minimum (VBM) reside in two separate semiconductors, forming type II band structure, thus the electron-holes pairs are spatially separated. We also find strong interlayer coupling at $Γ$ point after forming MX$_2$ heterostructures, even leading to the indirect band gap. While the band structure near $K$ point remain as the independent monolayer. The carrier mobilities of MX$_2$ heterostructures depend on three decisive factors, elastic modulus, effective mass and deformation potential constant, which are discussed and contrasted with those of monolayer MX$_2$, respectively.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2018

Intercell Wireless Communication in Software-defined Metasurfaces

Tunable metasurfaces are ultra-thin, artificial electromagnetic components that provide engineered and externally adjustable functionalities. The programmable metasurface, the HyperSurFace, concept consists in integrating controllers within the metasurface that interact locally and communicate globally to obtain a given electromagnetic behaviour. Here, we address the design constraints introduced by both functions accommodated by the programmable metasurface, i.e., the desired metasurface operation and the unit cells wireless communication enabling such programmable functionality. The design process for meeting both sets of specifications is thoroughly discussed. Two scenarios for wireless intercell communication are proposed. The first exploits the metasurface layer itself, while the second employs a dedicated communication layer beneath the metasurface backplane. Complexity and performance trade-offs are highlighted.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Programmable Metasurfaces: State of the Art and Prospects

Metasurfaces, ultrathin and planar electromagnetic devices with sub-wavelength unit cells, have recently attracted enormous attention for their powerful control over electromagnetic waves, from microwave to visible range. With tunability added to the unit cells, the programmable metasurfaces enable us to benefit from multiple unique functionalities controlled by external stimuli. In this review paper, we will discuss the recent progress in the field of programmable metasurfaces and elaborate on different approaches to realize them, with the tunability from global aspects, to local aspects, and to software-defined metasurfaces.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Broadband mixing of ${\cal PT}$-symmetric and ${\cal PT}$-broken phases in photonic heterostructures with a one-dimensional loss/gain bilayer

Combining loss and gain components in one photonic heterostructure opens a new route to efficient manipulation by radiation, transmission, absorption, and scattering of electromagnetic waves. Therefore, loss/gain structures enabling ${\cal PT}$-symmetric and ${\cal PT}$-broken phases for eigenvalues have extensively been studied in the last decade. In particular, translation from one phase to another, which occurs at the critical point in the two-channel structures with one-dimensional loss/gain components, is often associated with one-way transmission. In this report, broadband mixing of the ${\cal PT}$-symmetric and ${\cal PT}$-broken phases for eigenvalues is theoretically demonstrated in heterostructures with four channels obtained by combining a one-dimensional loss/gain bilayer and one or two thin polarization-converting components (PCCs). The broadband phase mixing in the four-channel case is expected to yield advanced transmission and absorption regimes. Various configurations are analyzed, which are distinguished in symmetry properties and polarization conversion regime of PCCs. The conditions necessary for phase mixing are discussed. The simplest two-component configurations with broadband mixing are found, as well as the more complex three-component configurations wherein symmetric and broken sets are not yet mixed and appear in the neighbouring frequency ranges. Peculiarities of eigenvalue behaviour are considered for different permittivity ranges of loss/gain medium, i.e., from epsilon-near-zero to high-epsilon regime.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2016

Ultrathin metasurface with topological transition for manipulating spoof surface plasmon polaritons

Metasurfaces, with intrinsically planar nature and subwavelength thickness, provide us unconventional methodologies to not only mold the flow of propagating waves but also manipulate near-field waves. Plasmonic metasurfaces with topological transition for controlling surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) recently have been experimentally demonstrated, which, however, are limited to optical frequencies. In this work, we proposed and experimentally characterized an ultrathin metasurface with the topological transition for manipulating spoof SPPs at low frequency. We demonstrated rich interesting phenomena based on this metasurface, including frequency-dependent spatial localization, non-diffraction propagation, negative refraction, and dispersion-dependent spin-momentum locking of spoof SPPs. Comparing with traditional three-dimensional metamaterials, our metasurface exhibits low propagation loss and compatibility with the photonic integrated circuit, which may find plenty of applications in spatial multiplexers, focusing and imaging devices, planar hyperlens, and dispersion-dependent directional couplers, in microwave and terahertz frequencies.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Comparison of gold- and graphene-based resonant nano-structures for terahertz metamaterials and an ultra-thin graphene-based modulator

Graphene exhibits unique material properties and in electromagnetic wave technology, it raises the prospect of devices miniaturized down to the atomic length scale. Here we study split-ring resonator metamaterials made from graphene and we compare them to gold-based metamaterials. We find that graphene's huge reactive response derived from its large kinetic inductance allows for deeply subwavelength resonances, although its resonance strength is reduced due to higher dissipative loss damping and smaller dipole coupling. Nevertheless, tightly stacked graphene rings may provide for negative permeability and the electric dipole resonance of graphene meta-atoms turns out to be surprisingly strong. Based on these findings, we present a terahertz modulator based on a metamaterial with a multi-layer stack of alternating patterned graphene sheets separated by dielectric spacers. Neighbouring graphene flakes are biased against each other, resulting in modulation depths of over 75% at a transmission level of around 90%.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Dielectric Metamaterials with Toroidal Dipolar Response

Toroidal multipoles are the terms missing in the standard multipole expansion; they are usually overlooked due to their relatively weak coupling to the electromagnetic fields. Here we propose and theoretically study all-dielectric metamaterials of a special class that represent a simple electromagnetic system supporting toroidal dipolar excitations in the THz part of the spectrum. We show that resonant transmission and reflection of such metamaterials is dominated by toroidal dipole scattering, the neglect of which would result in a misunderstanding interpretation of the metamaterials macroscopic response. Due to the unique field configuration of the toroidal mode the proposed metamaterials could serve as a platform for sensing, or enhancement of light absorption and optical nonlinearities.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Graphene for terahertz applications

Graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. It was first obtained by exfoliation of graphite in 2004 and has since evolved into a thriving research topic because of its attractive mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Graphene's unique electrical properties derive from the relativistic nature of its quasiparticles, resulting in exceptionally high electron mobility. Graphene promises to revolutionize many applications, ranging from solar cells and light-emitting devices to touch screens, photodetectors, microwave transistors, and ultrafast lasers.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Robust wedge demonstration to optical negative index metamaterials

A robust wedge setup is proposed to unambiguously demonstrate negative refraction for negative index metamaterials. We applied our setup to several optical metamaterials from the literature and distinctly observed the phenomena of negative refraction. This further consolidates the reported negative-index property. It is found there generally exists a lateral shift for the outgoing beam through the wedge. We derived a simple expression for calculating this beam shift and interestingly, it provides us a strategy to quantitatively estimate the loss of the wedge material (Im[n]). Addition- ally, we offered a design of metamaterials, compatible with nano-imprinting-lithography, showing negative refractive index in the visible regime (around yellow-light wavelengths). The multi-layer- system retrieval was utilized to extract the effective refractive index of the metamaterial. It was also intuitively characterized through our wedge setup to demonstrate corresponding phenomena of refraction.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

One- and two-dimensional photo-imprinted diffraction gratings for manipulating terahertz waves

Emerging technology based on artificial materials containing metallic structures has raised the prospect for unprecedented control of terahertz waves through components like filters, absorbers and polarizers. The functionality of these devices is static by the very nature of their metallic or polaritonic composition, although some degree of tunability can be achieved by incorporating electrically biased semiconductors. Here, we demonstrate a photonic structure by projecting the optical image of a metal mask onto a thin GaAs substrate using a femtosecond pulsed laser source. We show that the resulting high-contrast pattern of photo- excited carriers can create diffractive elements operating in transmission. With the metal mask replaced by a digital micromirror device, our photo-imprinted photonic structures provide a route to terahertz components with reconfigurable functionality.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Strong group velocity dispersion compensation with phase-engineered sheet metamaterials

Resonant metamaterials usually exhibit substantial dispersion, which is considered a shortcoming for many applications. Here we take advantage of the ability to tailor the dispersive response of a metamaterial introducing a new method of group-velocity dispersion compensation in telecommunication systems. The method consists of stacking a number of highly dispersive sheet metamaterials and is capable of compensating the dispersion of optical fibers with either negative or positive group-velocity dispersion coefficients. We demonstrate that the phase-engineered metamaterial can provide strong group-velocity dispersion management without being adversely affected by large transmission loss, while at the same time offering high customizability and small footprint.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Large quality factor in sheet metamaterials made from dark dielectric meta-atoms

Metamaterials-or artificial electromagnetic materials-can create media with properties unattainable in nature, but mitigating dissipation is a key challenge for their further development. Here, we demonstrate a low-loss metamaterial by exploiting dark bound states in dielectric inclusions coupled to the external waves by small nonresonant metallic antennas. We experimentally demonstrate a dispersion-engineered metamaterial based on a meta-atom made from alumina, and we show that its resonance has a much larger quality factor than metal-based meta-atoms. Finally, we show that our dielectric meta-atom can be used to create sheet metamaterials with negative permittivity or permeability.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Broadband terahertz generation from metamaterials

The terahertz spectral regime, ranging from about 0.1 to 15 THz, is one of the least explored yet most technologically transformative spectral regions. One current challenge is to develop efficient and compact terahertz emitters/detectors with a broadband and gapless spectrum that can be tailored for various pump photon energies. Here we demonstrate efficient single-cycle broadband THz generation, ranging from about 0.1 to 4 THz, from a thin layer of split-ring resonators with few tens of nanometers thickness by pumping at the telecommunications wavelength of 1.5 micrometer (200 THz). The terahertz emission arises from exciting the magnetic-dipole resonance of the split-ring resonators and quickly decreases under off-resonance pumping. This, together with pump polarization dependence and power scaling of the terahertz emission, identifies the role of optically induced nonlinear currents in split-ring resonators. We also reveal a giant sheet nonlinear susceptibility $\sim$10$^{-16}$ m$^2$V$^{-1}$ that far exceeds thin films and bulk non-centrosymmetric materials.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2013

Photonic band gap of a graphene-embedded quarter-wave stack

Here, we present a mechanism for tailoring the photonic band structure of a quarter-wave stack without changing its physical periods by embedding conductive sheets. Graphene is utilized and studied as a realistic, two-dimensional conductive sheet. In a graphene-embedded quarter-wave stack, the synergic actions of Bragg scattering and graphene conductance contributions open photonic gaps at the center of the reduced Brillouin zone, that nonexistent in conventional quarter-wave stacks. Such photonic gaps show giant, loss-independent density of optical states at the fixed lower-gap-edges, of even-multiple characteristic frequency of the quarter-wave stack. The novel conductive sheets induced photonic gaps provide a new platform for the enhancement of light-matter interactions.

physics.optics↗