Efficient localization of terahertz waves within a gradient dielectric-filled metallic grating

We proposed a gradient dielectric-filled metallic grating to spatially localize wide-band terahertz waves at different locations for different frequencies. The dispersion relations for terahertz waves propagating along gratings with different filling-depths were developed under the first-order approximation based on the spoof surface plasmon theory. The structure can localize terahertz waves at the frequency regime from 0.7 to 1.3 THz, as the filling-depth H gradually increases from 0 to 50 µm. By filling with active media such as nematic liquid crystals, the trapping location can be effectively tuned, providing potential to realize controllable and compact integrated THz devices.