Lattice Induced Transparency in Metasurfaces

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates lattice induced transparency in metasurfaces at terahertz frequencies, revealing a new way to control transparency, enhance Q-factors, and achieve record group delays for sensing and slow light applications.

Contribution

First experimental observation of lattice induced transparency by coupling lattice modes with metamaterial resonances at terahertz frequencies.

Findings

Large tunability of transparency bandwidth and position.

Significant enhancement of Q-factor and group delay.

Potential applications in ultrasensitive sensing and slow light devices.

Abstract

Lattice modes are intrinsic to the periodic structures and their occurrence can be easily tuned and controlled by changing the lattice constant of the structural array. Previous studies have revealed excitation of sharp absorption resonances due to lattice mode coupling with the plasmonic resonances. Here, we report the first experimental observation of a lattice induced transparency (LIT) by coupling the first order lattice mode (FOLM) to the structural resonance of a metamaterial resonator at terahertz frequencies. The observed sharp transparency is a result of the destructive interference between the bright mode and the FOLM mediated dark mode. As the FOLM is swept across the metamaterial resonance, the transparency band undergoes large change in its bandwidth and resonance position. Besides controlling the transparency behaviour, LIT also shows a huge enhancement in the Q-factor and record high group delay of 28 ps, which could be pivotal in ultrasensitive sensing and slow light device applications.