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Linear and phase controllable terahertz frequency conversion via ultrafast breaking the bond of a meta-molecule

Author

Listed:
  • Siyu Duan

    (Nanjing University
    Purple Mountain Laboratories)

  • Xin Su

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing University)

  • Hongsong Qiu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Yushun Jiang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Jingbo Wu

    (Nanjing University
    Purple Mountain Laboratories)

  • Kebin Fan

    (Nanjing University
    Purple Mountain Laboratories)

  • Caihong Zhang

    (Nanjing University
    Purple Mountain Laboratories)

  • Xiaoqing Jia

    (Nanjing University
    Purple Mountain Laboratories)

  • Guanghao Zhu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Lin Kang

    (Nanjing University
    Purple Mountain Laboratories)

  • Xinglong Wu

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing University)

  • Huabing Wang

    (Nanjing University
    Purple Mountain Laboratories)

  • Keyu Xia

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing University
    Suzhou Campus of Nanjing University)

  • Biaobing Jin

    (Nanjing University
    Purple Mountain Laboratories)

  • Jian Chen

    (Nanjing University
    Purple Mountain Laboratories)

  • Peiheng Wu

    (Nanjing University
    Purple Mountain Laboratories)

Abstract

The metasurface platform with time-varying characteristics has emerged as a promising avenue for exploring exotic physics associated with Floquet materials and for designing photonic devices like linear frequency converters. However, the limited availability of materials with ultrafast responses hinders their applications in the terahertz range. Here we present a time-varying metasurface comprising an array of superconductor-metal hybrid meta-molecules. Each meta-molecule consists of two meta-atoms that are “bonded” together by double superconducting microbridges. Through experimental investigations, we demonstrate high-efficiency linear terahertz frequency conversion by rapidly breaking the bond using a coherent ultrashort terahertz pump pulse. The frequency and relative phase of the converted wave exhibit strong dependence on the pump-probe delay, indicating phase controllable wave conversion. The dynamics of the meta-molecules during the frequency conversion process are comprehensively understood using a time-varying coupled mode model. This research not only opens up new possibilities for developing innovative terahertz sources but also provides opportunities for exploring topological dynamics and Floquet physics within metasurfaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Siyu Duan & Xin Su & Hongsong Qiu & Yushun Jiang & Jingbo Wu & Kebin Fan & Caihong Zhang & Xiaoqing Jia & Guanghao Zhu & Lin Kang & Xinglong Wu & Huabing Wang & Keyu Xia & Biaobing Jin & Jian Chen & P, 2024. "Linear and phase controllable terahertz frequency conversion via ultrafast breaking the bond of a meta-molecule," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-45416-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45416-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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