Sub-wavelength THz resonators for ultra-fast THz detection

We demonstrate sub-wavelength electromagnetic resonators operating in the THz spectral range, whose resonant properties and optical response can be engineered using lumped elements, similarly to what is done in electronic circuits and antennas. We discuss the device concept, and we experimentally study the tuning of the resonant frequency as a function of variable capacitances and inductances. The advantages of this ‘circuit-tunable’ platform to realize novel THz meta-devices featuring an ultra-small semiconductor core are then discussed. As an application, we show that these micro-resonators have a strong potential for ultra-fast THz detection, when combined to a tiny quantum well photodetector active core. © (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.