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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: Andrew M. Weiner
  • Vol. 21, Iss. 2 — Jan. 28, 2013
  • pp: 2347–2354

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 21 > Issue 2 > Page 2347

Terahertz beam steering and variable focusing using programmable diffraction gratings

Yasuaki Monnai, Kristian Altmann, Christian Jansen, Hartmut Hillmer, Martin Koch, and Hiroyuki Shinoda  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 21, Issue 2, pp. 2347-2354 (2013)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.21.002347


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Abstract

We propose a freely programmable THz diffraction grating based on an electrostatically actuated, computer controlled array of metallic cantilevers. Switching between different grating patterns enables tailoring spatio-temporal profiles of the THz waves. By characterizing the device with spatially resolved THz time domain spectroscopy, we demonstrate beam steering for a wide frequency band extending from 0.15 THz to 0.9 THz. The steerable range at 0.3 THz exceeds 40°. Focusing is also demonstrated by programming a chirped grating. The proposed approach could be employed to mimic arbitrary diffraction optics, enabling highly integrated and extremely flexible systems indispensable for THz stand-off imaging and communications.

© 2013 OSA

OCIS Codes
(050.1950) Diffraction and gratings : Diffraction gratings
(090.1970) Holography : Diffractive optics

ToC Category:
Diffraction and Gratings

History
Original Manuscript: December 5, 2012
Revised Manuscript: January 14, 2013
Manuscript Accepted: January 14, 2013
Published: January 23, 2013

Citation
Yasuaki Monnai, Kristian Altmann, Christian Jansen, Hartmut Hillmer, Martin Koch, and Hiroyuki Shinoda, "Terahertz beam steering and variable focusing using programmable diffraction gratings," Opt. Express 21, 2347-2354 (2013)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-21-2-2347


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