Multifunctional terahertz device based on a VO2-assisted metamaterial for broadband absorption, polarization conversion, and filtering

This paper proposes a multifunctional terahertz device based on VO2 with a simple structure that needs only one step lithography. The designed device can realize broadband absorption, reflective broadband cross-polarization conversion, reflective linear-to-circular polarization conversion, transmissive narrowband cross-polarization conversion, and filtering under different working conditions. When VO2 is in a metallic state, the device can perform two different functions depending on the direction of the incident wave. When the electromagnetic wave is a forward incident, the device is a broadband absorber in the frequency range from 3.53 THz to 9.68 THz with a corresponding absorption efficiency above 90% and a relative bandwidth of 93%. When the electromagnetic wave is a backward incident, the device can work as a reflective broadband cross-polarization converter in the frequency range from 0.77 THz to 1.79 THz with a polarization conversion rate greater than 97% and a relative bandwidth of 80% and a reflective linear-to-circular polarization converter at 0.66 THz and 1.86 THz. While for VO2in the insulating state, the device exhibits the transmissive narrowband cross-polarization converter with polarization conversion rate greater than 90% at 1.32 THz and the function of the transmissive narrowband filter with transmittance more than 60% at 1.84 THz for both forward and backward incident waves. This multifunctional device may have great potential in miniaturized terahertz systems.(c) 2023 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement