Integrated metamaterial with the functionalities of an absorption and polarization converter

Abstract

A switchable and tunable dual-function absorber/polarization converter is presented in this work. The constitution of the structure, which incorporates patterned graphene and photosensitive silicon (Si), can minimize undesired optical losses. Simulated results show that when the Si is metallic, the structure behaves as a broadband absorption of more than 90% in the range of 1.45–3.36 THz. Its peak absorption can be tuned from 22% to 99.8% by changing the Fermi energy of graphene. Furthermore, the interference theory analyzes the physical mechanism for broadband absorption. When the Si is in the dielectric state, the structure has a transmission polarization conversion function, which realizes the conversion from linear to cross-polarized waves. The polarization conversion ratio (PCR) is greater than 90% in the 3.82–4.43 THz range. Meanwhile, the cross-polarization transmission can be dynamically tuned from 28% to 97%, and the PCR can also be tuned from 17% to 99.9% by adjusting the conductivity of the Si. The reason for realizing polarization conversion is explained by the polarization decomposition method. This study provides a design opinion of high-performance multifunctional tunable terahertz devices.