Metamaterial-based imaging for potential security applications

In this paper, we present two different types of THz spatial light modulators (SLMs) that use dynamic metamaterials (MMs) to enable multiplex imaging. One imaging setup consists of a doped semiconducting MM as the SLM, with multi-color super-pixels composed of arrays of electronically controlled metamaterial absorbers (MMAs). Our device is capable of modulation of THz radiation at frequencies up to 12 MHz with maximum modulation depths over 50%. We have also implemented a different system enabling high resolution, high-fidelity, multiplex single pixel THz imaging. We use optical photoexcitation of semiconductors to dynamically tune the electromagnetic properties of MMs. By copropagating a THz and collimated optical laser beam through a high-resistivity silicon (Si) wafer with a MM patterned on the surface, we may modify the THz transmission in real-time by modifying the optical power. By further encoding a spatial pattern on the optical beam, with a digital micro-mirror device (DMD), we may write masks for THz radiation. © 2013 SPIE.