Long-distance super-resolution imaging assisted by enhanced spatial Fourier transform

Superfocusing of terahertz wave through spoof surface plasmons

In this paper, we propose and numerically demonstrate a new way to realize superfocusing of terahertz waves via the spoof surface plasmons (SSP). With the assist of a modified subwavelength metallic grating, a near-field rapid oscillation can be formed, originating from the Fabry-Perot resonances due to the reflection of SSP waves at terminations. We show that the field pattern of oscillation on textured metallic surface can be engineered by adjusting groove width and grating number. This produces a desired modulation of phase and amplitude for the radiationless electromagnetic interference (REI) focusing. The effective focusing depth through the corrugated metal is evaluated by the full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) beamwidth. At the situation of third-order Fabry-Perot resonance, the FWMH reaches up to 0.069λ at a distance of 0.1λ, improving the beamwidth by more than 540% compared with a single slit. The FWHM is optimized to 0.06λ as the order of Fabry-Perot resonance becomes seven, leading to the superfocusing metric of 1.67. On the basis of this, we further show the focusing ability can be held on the ultra-thin metallic grating. Two-dimensional subwavelength focusing behavior is also numerically verified. Our study may extend the working distance of sensing and super-resolution imaging devices at terahertz frequency.

Multilayered analog optical differentiating device: performance analysis on structural parameters

Analogy optical devices (AODs) able to do mathematical computations have recently gained strong research interest for their potential applications as accelerating hardware in traditional electronic computers. The performance of these wavefront-processing devices is primarily decided by the accuracy of the angular spectral engineering. In this Letter, we show that the multilayer technique could be a promising method to flexibly design AODs according to the input wavefront conditions. As examples, various Si-SiO₂-based multilayer films are designed that can precisely perform the second-order differentiation for the input wavefronts of different Fourier spectrum widths. The minimum number and thickness uncertainty of sublayers for the device performance are discussed. A technique by rescaling the Fourier spectrum intensity has been proposed in order to further improve the practical feasibility. These results are thought to be instrumental for the development of AODs.

Terahertz far-field superresolution imaging through spoof surface plasmons illumination

The applications of terahertz (THz) imaging are always restricted by the low resolution. We introduce here a new way to realize far-field superresolution imaging at THz frequency. Assisted by a new spoof surface plasmons (SSP) probe illumination, the images of two subwavelength separated slits can be reconstructed by a single shot. Although only 0.06λ resolution is numerically demonstrated at 0.3 THz, the resolution potentially can be further enhanced by scaling down the size of the SSP probe. Deep subwavelength focusing is also achieved by the SSP probe. Our work may open a new avenue for SSP-based superresolution at longer wavelengths.