Electrically tunable terahertz switch based on superconducting subwavelength hole arrays

We experimentally demonstrate an electrically tunable superconducting device capable of switching the extraordinary terahertz (THz) transmission. The planar device consists of subwavelength hole arrays with real-time control capability. The maximum transmission coefficient at 0.33 THz is 0.98 and decreases to 0.17 when the applied voltage only increases to 1.3V. Arelative intensity modulation of 82.7% is observed, making this device an efficient THz switch. Additionally, this device exhibits good narrow-bandpass characteristics within 2 THz, which can be used as a frequency-selective component. This study offers an ideal tuning method and delivers a promising approach for designing active and miniaturized devices in THz cryogenic systems. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America

Automated summary

The study introduces an electrically tunable superconducting device capable of switching THz wave transmission with high efficiency and good narrow-bandpass characteristics.