Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames
Laboratory have demonstrated broadband terahertz (THz) wave generation using
metamaterials. The discovery may help develop noninvasive imaging and sensing,
and make possible THz-speed information communication, processing and storage.
The results appeared in the Jan. 8 issue of Nature Communications.
Terahertz electromagnetic waves occupy a middle ground
between electronics waves, like microwave and radio waves, and photonics waves,
such as infrared and UV waves. Potentially, THz waves may accelerate telecom
technologies and break new ground in understanding the fundamental properties
of photonics. Challenges related to efficiently generating and detecting THz
waves has primarily limited their use.