Direct Conversion of Free Space Millimeter Waves to Optical Domain by Plasmonic Modulator Antenna
Abstract
A scheme for the direct conversion of millimeter and THz waves to optical signals is introduced. The compact device consists of a plasmonic phase modulator that is seamlessly cointegrated with an antenna. Neither high-speed electronics nor electronic amplification is required to drive the modulator. A built-in enhancement of the electric field by a factor of 35 000 enables the direct conversion of millimeter-wave signals to the optical domain. This high enhancement is obtained via a resonant antenna that is directly coupled to an optical field by means of a plasmonic modulator. The suggested concept provides a simple and cost-efficient alternative solution to conventional schemes where millimeter-wave signals are first converted to the electrical domain before being up-converted to the optical domain. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000107683Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Nano LettersVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
American Chemical SocietySubject
Plasmonics; Electro-optic; Microwave photonics; THz sensorOrganisational unit
03974 - Leuthold, Juerg / Leuthold, Juerg
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