Broadband, optically transparent and highly flexible multispectral beam splitter based on Ag nanowires/graphene composite film for hybrid optical systems

Abstract

Abstract The research on novel terahertz (THz) devices with high performance is in rapid ascent in order to promote applications of THz technology. In this paper, we propose a broadband, optically transparent and highly flexible multispectral beam splitter based on Ag nanowires/graphene (ANWG) composite film on polyethylene terephthalate film substrates. The properties of the ANWG-based beam splitters are investigated, which exhibit a broadband THz reflectance of about 90%, a high optical transmittance of over 86% in the visible range, and excellent mechanical flexibility. The THz experimental result of the ANWG-based beam splitter is close to those of numerical simulations using a theoretical model. In comparison with conventional THz beam splitters, the ANWG-based beam splitter possesses excellent light-splitting performances for both transmitting visible light and reflecting THz radiation, and the device can significantly improve the overall performance of THz optical systems. Moreover, the device can be effectively applied in the visible/infrared imaging systems to implement multispectral imaging. Our concept provides a promising route for realizing compact hybrid optical systems, and it has great potential for commercial applications.