Coupling Broadband Terahertz Dipoles to Microscale Resonators

Optically driven spintronic emitters are a unique class of terahertz (THz) sources due to their quasi-two-dimensional geometry and thereby their capability to effectively couple to resonator near fields. Global excitation of the emitters often obstructs the intricate details of the coupling mechanisms between local THz dipoles and the individual modes of resonator structures. Here, we demonstrate the spatial mapping of the coupling strength between a micrometer-scale terahertz source on a spintronic emitter and far-field light mediated by a structured metallic environment. For a bow-tie geometry, experimental results are reproduced by a numerical model, providing insights into the microscopic coupling mechanisms. The broad applicability of the technique is showcased by extracting the THz mode structure in split-ring resonator metasurfaces and linear arrays. With these developments, planar THz sources with tailored spectral and angular emission profiles become accessible.

Automated summary

In this study, we demonstrate a spatial mapping technique for the coupling strength between a micrometer-scale terahertz source on a spintronic emitter and far-field light mediated by a structured metallic environment. Experimental results are reproduced by a numerical model, providing insights into the microscopic coupling mechanisms. The technique can be applied to extract the THz mode structure, enabling tailored spectral and angular emission profiles for planar THz sources.