Directional microwave emission from femtosecond-laser illuminated linear arrays of superconducting rings

We examine the electromagnetic emission from two photo-illuminated linear arrays composed of inductively charged superconducting ring elements. The arrays are illuminated by an ultrafast infrared laser that triggers microwave broadband emission detected in the 1-26 GHz range. Based on constructive interference from the arrays a narrowing of the forward radiation lobe is observed with increasing element count and frequency demonstrating directed GHz emission. Results suggest that higher frequencies and a larger number of elements are achievable leading to a unique pulsed array emitter concept that can span frequencies from the microwave to the terahertz (THz) regime.

Automated summary

We examined the electromagnetic emission from two photo-illuminated linear arrays composed of inductively charged superconducting ring elements. The arrays were illuminated by an ultrafast infrared laser, triggering microwave broadband emission. Increasing the element count and frequency resulted in a narrowing of the forward radiation lobe, demonstrating directed GHz emission. This study suggests the potential for achieving higher frequencies and a larger number of elements, enabling a unique pulsed array emitter concept spanning from microwave to terahertz frequencies.