Graphene-metal nanostructure hybrid materials for novel terahertz frequency devices
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Linköpings universitet - Institutionen för fysik, kemi och biologi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 29 250 |
| Project duration | July 2014 - September 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
By combining the unique electronic properties of graphene with the optical properties of metal nanostructured surfaces, the resulting graphene-based metamaterials can be used as building blocks for novel electro-optical devices and sensors which operate at THz frequencies. Such metamaterials may also play a crucial role in the development of future THz frequency electromagnetic transceivers, electronic devices, and optoelectronic architectures for ultra-fast information processing, ultra-high data-transfer rates, and ultra-wide communication bandwidths.
Results and expected effects
As a result of this project novel device and sensor designs which operate at THz frequencies will be developed in order to address Sweden´s future needs for high-bandwidth communication, ultrafast data processing, THz imaging, as well as THz frequency sensing with ultralow detection limits. The project will also deliver hybrid materials composed of graphene metamaterials and 3-dimensionally nanostructured metal thin films, which offer a new avenue for optical THz frequency modulators and sensors for high-sensitivity detection of bio-molecules in the THz spectral range.
Approach and implementation
The proposed research on developing novel device and sensor designs which operate at THz frequencies has three main phases: i) design phase which includes finite-element calculations to predict and tune the THz optical response of graphene-metal hybryd metamaterials, ii) a manufacturing phase using world-leading graphene grown by high-temperature sublimation and nanostructure growth by glancing angle deposition and iii) a sensing and refinement phase using the world-unique THz ellipsometry instrumentation.