Terahertz plasmonic waveguides created via 3D printing

Abstract

We demonstrate that 3D printing, commonly associated with the manufacture of large objects, allows for the fabrication of high quality terahertz (THz) plasmonic structures. Using a commercial 3D printer, we print a variety of structures that include abrupt out-of-plane bends and continuously varying bends. The waveguides are initially printed in a polymer resin and then sputter deposited with ~500 nm of Au. This thickness of Au is sufficient to support low loss propagation of surface plasmon-polaritons with minimal impact from the underlying layer, thereby demonstrating a useful approach for fabricating a broad range of plasmonic structures that incorporate complex geometries. Using THz time-domain spectroscopy, we measure the guided-wave properties of these devices. We find that the propagation properties of the guided-wave modes are similar to those obtained in similar conventional metal-based waveguides, albeit with slightly higher loss. This additional loss is attributed to roughness associated with limitations that currently exist in commercial 3D printers.

Feasibility and Characterization of Common and Exotic Filaments for Use in 3D Printed Terahertz Devices

“…Hyperbolic fresnel lenses tailor-made for THz linear scanners [14] have been developed, emphasizing the advantages of rapid, customizable prototyping evident in 3D printing THz optics. A range of 3D printed waveguides [15] and antennas [16] have emerged including plasmonic guides for surface plasma polariton propagation [17] as well as electromagnetic crystal waveguides with periodic triangular structures surrounding an air core [18]. Similarly, hyperuniform waveguides with periodic disordered reflectors surrounding an air core [19] have produced measured photonic band gaps.…”

Review of 3D Printed Millimeter-Wave and Terahertz Passive Devices

“…They were printed in split pieces and metal plated in postprocess. In 2013, a polymer jetted acrylic resin THz waveguide was reported [19]. A polymer jetted W-band dielectric reflectarray was introduced by Nayeri et al in 2014 [20].…”

Dielectric Properties of 3D Printed Polylactic Acid

“…The possible applications are numerous, such as titanium scaffolds for orthopaedic implants [1], complex biomedical devices [2], optic components [3], lab-on-a-chip devices [4], and aerial vehicle wing structures [5], to name but a few recent developments. Besides the fast-growing markets for additive manufactured biomaterials and engineered structures, 3D printing also opens a cheap and simple route to produce individual, customised components for scientific use [6][7][8][9]. Fused filament fabrication [10] is a low-budget 3D printing technique often using polymers, especially thermoplastics, as filaments.…”