Graphene-Metal Nanostructure Hybrid Materials for Novel Terahertz Frequency Devices

Purpose and goal

The goal of this project was the design, fabrication and characterization of structured materials with unique THz optical properties for novel optical elements and sensors. We have achieved this goal by developing a measurement technique which allows the characterization of the conductive properties of graphene as a function of environmental conditions. We demonstrated the unique THz properties of 3D metamaterials fabricated by additive manufacturing techniques. The anisotropic properties, observed here for the first time, provide the base for novel THz optical devices.

Expected results and effects

The established conductive properties of graphene and its dependence on the ambient conditions are a starting point to understand how the conductivity of graphene could be tailored. In addition, this knowledge is the basis of sensors which use the changing conductivity of graphene as a sensing mechanism. The discovery of optical anisotropy in 3D metamaterials which can be conveniently fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques will be instrumental for the design and fabrication of a new class of THz optical materials.

Planned approach and implementation

The research was carried out in a strong collaboration between the partner institutions in Sweden (Terahertz Materials Analysis Center (THeMAC), Institutionen för fysik kemi och biologi, Linköpings Universitet ) and the USA (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of NC at Charlotte). Through this collaboration we were able to design, synthesize and characterize a wide range of THz materials which allow the fabrication of novel devices and sensors for the THz spectral range.