Technologies for terahertz frequency sensing

Electromagnetic sensors provide information about the environment around us. Historically, THz has been used for astronomy and other scientific insturments. Within this thesis, the aim is to investigate a variety of technologies that have the potential to bring THz technology to a wider market, by creating either low cost devices or technologies that can been monolithically integrated. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to THz and definitive material equations that underpin the simulations undertaken throughout the thesis. This is necessary as THz engineers and scientists come from a broad range of backgrounds where different definitions are deemed standard. Chapter 2 looks at the use of plasmonic devices for THz. Initatilly, the proposed spoof plasmon structure is investigated as a benchmark for simulation comparison and, secondly, the use of semiconductor surfaces is studied to create frequency tuneable sensors with highly confined fields. Chapter 3 moves towards more conventional quasi-optical metal mesh filters for low cost manufacture, comprising a single ultra thin metallic layer on a thick substrate. The chapter concludes with the initial design and simulations of a THz stress sensor based on the metal mesh filter. Chapter 4 looks into the use of photonic crystal technology. Several state-of-the-art devices are demonstrated: resonators, switches and attenuators. These devices have the potential to provide the building blocks for a future monolithically integrated THz architecture.Open Acces