Semiconductor core fibers for terahertz applications

Abstract

There are currently no usable waveguides or fibers for the THz frequency range, limiting opportunities for THz applications. This thesis describes a variety of considerations related to the characterization of silicon-core waveguides designed to be used in the terahertz spectral range. The associated publications represent a notable advance in the state of the art, the main achievement being the demonstration of transmission of both THz and IR through a novel Si-core fiber. Further, the use of Au doping of the Si-core produced a material with a fast carrier lifetime without compromising the loss and dispersion properties of the waveguide, thereby enabling high-speed modulation via optical illumination. These results point towards an exciting set of possibilities for Si-core waveguides in the terahertz range.