Highly tunable plasmon-induced transparency with Dirac semimetal metamaterials*

Based on Dirac semimetal metamaterials, the tunable plasmon induced transparency (PIT) is investigated elaborately in this work. The designed unit cell consists of a strip and a square bracket, which is periodically aligned on the dielectric substrate. Our numerical results illustrate that a pronounced transparency window exists due to near field coupling between two bright modes, which can be dynamically tuned with Fermi energy. Namely, the transparency window demonstrates a distinct blue shift with a larger Fermi energy. Moreover, an on-to-off switch of the PIT transparency window is realized with different polarization angles. In addition, the accompanied slow light property is examined with the calculation of phase and group delay. Finally, a small variation of the refractive index of the substrate can induce a clear movement of the PIT transparency window which delivers a guidance in the application of optical sensing. Thus, this work provides us a new strategy to design compact and adjustable PIT devices and has potential applications in highly tunable optical switchers, sensors, and slow light devices.

Automated summary

Based on Dirac semimetal metamaterials, this research investigated the tunable plasmon induced transparency (PIT) phenomenon, revealing a pronounced transparency window that can be dynamically adjusted with Fermi energy. The transparency window exhibits a distinct blue shift with larger Fermi energy and can be switched on and off with different polarization angles. Additionally, a small variation of the refractive index of the substrate can induce a clear movement of the PIT transparency window, providing guidance for optical sensing applications.