Abstract-Broadband amplitude, frequency, and polarization splitter for terahertz frequencies using parallel-plate waveguide technology

A. I. Hernandez-Serrano, Daniel M. Mittleman, and Emma Pickwell-MacPherson

 (a) Schematic diagram of the proposed demultiplexer. The incoming beam impinges on the back surface of the demultiplexer forming guided modes inside the structure. The exit beam is deflected by an angle 𝜃$\theta$ which depends on the frequency of the signal and on the dimensions of the structure. The inset shows a photograph of the device. (b)–(c) Finite-element simulation at 0.3 THz when the spacing between plates is 0.8 mm for the TE1${\mathrm{T}\mathrm{E}}_1$ and TEM guided-modes, respectively.

https://www.osapublishing.org/ol/abstract.cfm?uri=ol-45-5-1208

In this Letter, we report a broadband frequency/polarization demultiplexer based on parallel-plate waveguides (PPWGs) for terahertz (THz) frequencies. The fabrication and experimental validation of this polarization sensitive demultiplexer is demonstrated for the range from 0.2 to 1 THz. Upgrading the demultiplexer by adding a second demultiplexer stage, a fifty-fifty amplitude splitter is also demonstrated in the same frequency range. The multiplexer is based on a stainless-steel traveling-wave antenna, exhibiting strong mechanical robustness. This unique device exhibits three splitting mechanisms in the same device: amplitude, polarization, and frequency splitting. This is a significant improvement for the next generation of THz passive components for communication purposes.

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