Terahertz Resonators Based on YBa2Cu3O7 High-Tc Superconductor

Superconducting split-ring resonator arrays allow to overcome two main limitations affecting metallic metamaterial resonating in the terahertz (THz) range: ohmic losses and tunability of their optical response. In this work, we design and experimentally realize direct and complementary square arrays of superconducting YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) split-ring resonators working in the THz spectral range. The main purpose of this paper is to show how the metamaterial resonances can be tuned by temperature (T) when crossing the superconducting transition temperature T-c of YBCO. The tuning property can be quantified by describing the THz transmittance of the patterned YBCO films vs. T through a model of coupled resonators. This model allows us to estimate the THz resonances of split-ring arrays and their interaction, showing how the kinetic inductance L-k in the superconducting state is the main parameter affecting the metamaterial properties.

Automated summary

In this study, superconducting split-ring resonator arrays were designed and experimentally realized to tune the metamaterial resonances by temperature, overcoming the limitations of metallic metamaterials in the terahertz range.