Asymmetric planar terahertz metamaterials

We report an experimental observation of three distinct resonances in split ring resonators (SRRs) for both vertical and horizontal electric field polarizations at normal incidence by use of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Breaking the symmetry in SRRs by gradually displacing the capacitive gap from the centre towards the corner of the ring allows for an 85% modulation of the fundamental inductive-capacitive resonance. Increasing asymmetry leads to the evolution of an otherwise inaccessible high quality factor electric quadrupole resonance that can be exploited for bio-sensing applications in the terahertz region. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America