Optically Controlled Terahertz Dynamic Beam Splitter with Adjustable Split Ratio
Shan Yin,
Dehui Zeng,
Yuting Chen,
Wei Huang,
Cheng Zhang,
Wentao Zhang,
Yiwen E
Affiliations
Shan Yin
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information Processing, School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
Dehui Zeng
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information Processing, School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
Yuting Chen
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information Processing, School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
Wei Huang
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information Processing, School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
Cheng Zhang
Hubei Engineering Research Center of RF-Microwave Technology and Application, School of Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Wentao Zhang
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information Processing, School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
Yiwen E
The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
The beam splitter is an important functional device due to its ability to steer the propagation of electromagnetic waves. The split-ratio-variable splitter is of significance for optical, terahertz and microwave systems. Here, we are the first (to our knowledge) to propose an optically controlled dynamic beam splitter with adjustable split ratio in the terahertz region. Based on the metasurface containing two sets of reversed phase-gradient supercells, we split the terahertz wave into two symmetrical beams. Associated with the reconfigurable pump laser pattern programmed with the spatial light modulator, dynamic modulation of the split ratio varying from 1:1 to 15:1 is achieved. Meanwhile, the beam splitter works at a split angle of 36° for each beam. Additionally, we obtain an exponential relationship between the split ratio and the illumination proportion, which can be used as theoretical guidance for beam splitting with an arbitrary split ratio. Our novel beam splitter shows an outstanding level of performance in terms of the adjustable split ratio and stable split angles and can be used as an advanced method to develop active functional devices applied to terahertz systems and communications.
