Phase-sensitive terahertz imaging using room-temperature near-field nanodetectors

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Abstract
Imaging applications in the terahertz (THz) frequency range are severely restricted by diffraction. Near-field scanning probe microscopy is commonly employed to enable mapping of the THz electromagnetic fields with sub-wavelength spatial resolution, allowing intriguing scientific phenomena to be explored, such as charge carrier dynamics in nanostructures and THz plasmon-polaritons in novel 2D materials and devices. High-resolution THz imaging, so far, has relied predominantly on THz detection techniques that require either an ultrafast laser or a cryogenically cooled THz detector. Here, we demonstrate coherent near-field imaging in the THz frequency range using a room-temperature nanodetector embedded in the aperture of a near-field probe, and an interferometric optical setup driven by a THz quantum cascade laser. By performing phase-sensitive imaging of strongly confined THz fields created by plasmonic focusing, we demonstrate the potential of our novel architecture for high-sensitivity coherent THz imaging with sub-wavelength spatial resolution.
Funding Information
  • H2020 European Research Council (ERC) (SPRINT)
  • Royal Society
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

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