Flexible terahertz spoof plasmonics based on graphene-assembled films

Abstract

Spoof plasmonics, which can enable strong terahertz (THz) radiation–matter interactions, hold great promise for the advancement of THz science and technology. However, THz spoof plasmonic devices based on micro-structured metals are in general limited by lithography-based fabrication processes as well as metals' mechanical, chemical, and thermal stability, which hinders their applications in, for instance, flexible and wearable THz imaging and communications, molecular sensing, etc. Possessing high electrical conductivity and outstanding mechanical robustness, graphene-assembled films (GAFs) promise many benefits for electronics as an alternative to metals. Here, by studying the resonance-enhanced transmission properties of subwavelength GAF hole arrays, we demonstrate a GAF metasurface as a transformative platform for flexible THz spoof plasmonics. Based on a laser direct writing (LDW) patterning technique, the proposed micro-engineered GAF is expected to pave the way toward large-area, durable, and inexpensive THz metadevices with superior flexibility.