Efficient nonlinear generation of THz plasmons in graphene and topological insulators

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical study on the nonlinear generation of terahertz surface plasmons in graphene and topological insulators, highlighting enhanced efficiency near resonance and broad frequency phase matching.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical model for nonlinear difference frequency generation of THz plasmons in 2D Dirac materials, demonstrating efficiency enhancement and phase matching capabilities.

Findings

Strong enhancement of DFG efficiency near plasmon resonance

Feasibility of phase-matched nonlinear plasmon generation across broad frequencies

Potential for improved THz plasmon sources in graphene and topological insulators

Abstract

Surface plasmons in graphene may provide an attractive alternative to noble-metal plasmons due to their tighter confinement, peculiar dispersion, and longer propagation distance. We present theoretical studies of the nonlinear difference frequency generation of terahertz surface plasmon modes supported by two-dimensional layers of massless Dirac electrons, which includes graphene and surface states in topological insulators. Our results demonstrate strong enhancement of the DFG efficiency near the plasmon resonance and the feasibility of phase-matched nonlinear generation of plasmons over a broad range of frequencies.