Analysis of 3D-printed metal for rapid-prototyped reflective terahertz optics

TL;DR

This paper investigates the use of 3D-printed metal to create complex, high-efficiency terahertz optical components, demonstrating a zone plate with over 90% reflection efficiency at 530 GHz.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive analysis of 3D metal printing for terahertz optics, including fabrication factors and a functional zone plate prototype.

Findings

Reflection efficiency over 90% at 530 GHz

High control over topology enables complex device design

3D metal printing shows promise for terahertz beam control

Abstract

We explore the potential of 3D metal printing to realize complex conductive terahertz devices. Factors impacting performance such as printing resolution, surface roughness, oxidation, and material loss are investigated via analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches. The high degree of control offered by a 3D-printed topology is exploited to realize a zone plate operating at 530 GHz. Reflection efficiency at this frequency is found to be over 90%. The high-performance of this preliminary device suggest that 3D metal printing can play a strong role in guided-wave and general beam control devices in the terahertz range.