GOALI: Terahertz Transmission-Line Metamaterials for Quantum Cascade Lasers

本研究的目的是为新型太赫兹光子和电子器件开发集成有源量子级联增益材料的平面传输在线超材料。该方法是使用太赫兹量子级联激光金属-金属波导（类似于微带传输线），该波导是使用晶圆键合工艺制造的，作为实现传输在线超材料的平台。研究将通过(i)超材料电磁设计和建模、微加工、实验表征的综合计划，以及（ii）由工业合作伙伴设计先进的量子级联增益材料及其通过分子束外延的生长。知识方面的优点是开发了主动太赫兹平面超材料，该材料可以从受激发射中提供光子增益以平衡损耗，并展示了新型主动超材料器件，如零折射率激光器，亚波长激光器和相控阵太赫兹发射器。太赫兹光谱范围是理想的位置，允许整合超材料和从电子和光子频率获得概念。更广泛的影响是太赫兹技术的发展，最终应用于传感、成像、通信和光谱应用，并将该技术转让给工业合作伙伴，以支持其国防和空间科学的高速电子项目。通过与加州大学洛杉矶分校工程与多样性卓越中心合作，招募本科生进行研究，将向代表性不足的群体伸出援手。教育交流将通过学生直接与行业互动，以及在加州大学洛杉矶分校进行研究的行业员工进行。PI将根据这项研究开发一门研究生课程“太赫兹技术”。

The objective of this research is to develop planar transmission-line metamaterials integrated with active quantum-cascade gain material for novel terahertz photonic and electronic devices. The approach is to use terahertz quantum-cascade laser metal-metal waveguide (similar to microstrip transmission line) that is fabricated using a wafer-bonding process as a platform for the implementation of transmission-line metamaterials. Research will proceed via (i) a comprehensive program of metamaterial electromagnetic design and modeling, microfabrication, experimental characterization, and (ii) design of advanced quantum-cascade gain material and its growth by molecular beam epitaxy by the industrial collaborator.The intellectual merit is the development of active terahertz planar metamaterials that provide photonic gain from stimulated emission to balance losses, and the demonstration of novel active metamaterial devices, such as zero-index lasers, sub-wavelength lasers, and phased array terahertz emitters. The terahertz spectral range is ideally situated to allow integration of metamaterial and gain concepts from both electronic and photonic frequencies.The broader impact is the development of terahertz technology for eventual applications in sensing, imaging, communications, and spectroscopy applications, and the transfer of this technology to the industrial partner to support its programs in high-speed electronics for defense and space science. Outreach to underrepresented groups will occur by working with UCLA's Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity program to recruit undergraduate students for research. Educational exchange will occur via students directly interacting with industry, and industrial employees performing research at UCLA. The PI will develop a graduate course "Terahertz Technology" that will be informed by this research.