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3D-printed aberration-free terahertz metalens for ultra-broadband achromatic super-resolution wide-angle imaging with high numerical aperture

Author

Listed:
  • Jin Chen

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Shao-Xin Huang

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Ka Fai Chan

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Geng-Bo Wu

    (City University of Hong Kong
    City University of Hong Kong
    City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute)

  • Chi Hou Chan

    (City University of Hong Kong
    City University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) lens constitutes a vital component in the THz system. Metasurfaces-based THz metalenses and classical bulky lenses are severely constrained by chromatic/ spherical aberration and the diffraction limit. Consequently, achromatic super-resolution THz lenses are urgently needed. In this study, through translating the required phase distribution into a refractive index (RI) profile with a specific thickness, an innovative approach to designing THz metalenses is proposed and achieved by dielectric gradient metamaterials. The samples fabricated by 3D printing can realize achromatic super focusing with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.555 from 0.2 to 0.9 THz. Submillimeter features separated by approximately 0.2 mm can be resolved with high precision, such as glass fabric patterns within FR4 panels and fibrous tissue on leaves, with a field of view (FOV) of 90°. Our approach offers a feasible and cost-effective means to implement THz super-resolution imaging, which holds great potential in non-destructive testing and biomedical imaging.

Suggested Citation

  • Jin Chen & Shao-Xin Huang & Ka Fai Chan & Geng-Bo Wu & Chi Hou Chan, 2025. "3D-printed aberration-free terahertz metalens for ultra-broadband achromatic super-resolution wide-angle imaging with high numerical aperture," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-55624-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55624-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ori Avayu & Euclides Almeida & Yehiam Prior & Tal Ellenbogen, 2017. "Composite functional metasurfaces for multispectral achromatic optics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, April.
    2. F. Balli & M. Sultan & Sarah K. Lami & J. T. Hastings, 2020. "A hybrid achromatic metalens," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.
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