SINX/AL METAMATERIAL-BASED TERAHERTZ-TO-INFRARED CONVERTER FOR REAL-TIME IMAGING

Terahertz (THz) real-time imaging technology can be used in various fields. One way to perform real-time THz imaging is through metamaterial-based MEMS focal plane arrays (FPA). Among different possible configurations, THz-to-IR converters were selected to be studied and developed. The operation principle is using an IR camera to image the heat pattern on the backside of the FPA, generated by the absorption of the THz scene, presented on the front side of the FPA. In this study, we designed and fabricated metamaterials that efficiently absorb 3.8 THz and 4.75 THz, the frequencies of the quantum cascade lasers available in the Naval Postgraduate School Physics Department. Metamaterials that have near 1 emissivity between 20 and 40 THz and near zero elsewhere were also designed. To develop this sensor, the properties of silicon nitride films were investigated using single square unit cells. Next, the geometric configuration of the metamaterial elements were designed using the COMSOL Multiphysics and CST Microwave studio. Finally, the metamaterials were fabricated using tools available in the NPS microfabrication facility (Clean Room). The optimized metamaterial films obtained during thesis work will be used in an optimized THz-to-IR converter to be integrated to a long-wave infrared camera in order to provide a complete THz imaging system.http://archive.org/details/sinxalmetamateri1094562811Lieutenant Commander, Republic of Korea NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited