Gain in Three-Dimensional Metamaterials utilizing Semiconductor Quantum Structures

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the integration of semiconductor quantum structures into 3D metamaterials to achieve optical gain, enhancing transmission and enabling new functionalities in 3D metamaterials.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of incorporating quantum well structures into 3D metal/semiconductor metamaterials to achieve optical gain and improved transmission.

Findings

Enhanced transmission through superlattice under optical excitation

Successful integration of quantum wells into 3D metamaterials

Potential for creating gain-enabled 3D metamaterials

Abstract

We demonstrate gain in a three-dimensional metal/semiconductor metamaterial by the integration of optically active semiconductor quantum structures. The rolling-up of a metallic structure on top of strained semiconductor layers containing a quantum well allows us to achieve a three-dimensional superlattice consisting of alternating layers of lossy metallic and amplifying gain material. We show that the transmission through the superlattice can be enhanced by exciting the quantum well optically under both pulsed or continuous wave excitation. This points out that our structures can be used as a starting point for arbitrary three-dimensional metamaterials including gain.