Active Opto-Electronics at THz Frequencies

We demonstrate active photo-excitation of plasmonic loaded antennas resonating at THz frequencies. This is realized by the local optical excitation of free charge carriers on the surface of a thin GaAs film using a spatial light modulator. Our results demonstrate the existence of capacitive and inductive coupling of localized surface plasmon polatitons. The coupling of the loaded antenna is further investigated by experimentally obtaining an effective impedance of the load. The obtained results are linked to a LC resonance formed by a THz inductor and capacitor connected in a parallel configuration. Our results provide the first demonstration of a fully active and tunable component for future opto-electronic devices.

georgiou@amolf.nl