Dynamic trapping of terahertz waves by silicon-filled metallic grating structure.

We investigate the feasibility of dynamic trapping of terahertz waves using a silicon-filled metallic grating structure. Using the dispersion relation analysis and the two-dimensional finite element method simulations, we reveal that, if a graded refractive index distribution in the grooves is optical induced, the device has the ability to dynamic trap terahertz waves of different frequencies at different positions (so-called trapping rainbow). Moreover, we demonstrate that the trapped position of a certain frequency of the terahertz waves can be moved continuously along the grooves in subwavelength scale by ingenious control of the distributions of the refractive indices of silicon filled in the grooves. Our design has the potential for the construction of active plasmonic terahertz devices, such as optical controlled terahertz filter, router and demultiplexer in a broadband terahertz communication system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]