Paratellurite Nanowires as a Versatile Material for THz Phonon Polaritons

Author(s):Show less -

Mayer, Rafael A. ; Wehmeier, Lukas ; Torquato, Mattheus ; Chen, Xinzhong ; Feres, Flavio H. ; Maia, Francisco C. B. ; Obst, Maximilian ; Kaps, Felix G. ; Luferau, Andrei ; Klopf, J. Michael ; Corder, Stephanie N. Gilbert ; Bechtel, Hans A. ; Gonzalez, Juan C. ; Viana, Emilson R. ; Eng, Lukas M. ; Kehr, Susanne C. ; Freitas, Raul O. ; Barcelos, Ingrid D.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS PHOTONICS; v. 11, n. 10, p. 11-pg., 2024-09-20.

Abstract

Polaritons, i.e., hybrid quasi-particles of light and matter resonances, have been extensively investigated due to their potential to enhance light-matter interactions. Although polaritonic applications thrive in the mid-infrared range, their extension to the terahertz (THz) range remains limited. Here, we present paratellurite (alpha-TeO2) nanowires, a versatile material acting as a platform for different types of phonon polaritons. Utilizing synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy from 10 to 24 THz, we uncover the polaritonic properties of alpha-TeO2 nanowires, showcasing their dual functionality as both a Fabry-P & eacute;rot cavity and a waveguide for surface phonon polaritons. Furthermore, near-field measurements with a free-electron laser as a THz source reveal a localized optical contrast down to 5.5 THz, an indication of hyperbolic bands. Our findings complement the repertoire of polaritonic materials, with significant implications for advancing THz technologies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/02901-4 - Nano-optics of polaritons in two-dimensional crystals and at the metal/dielectric interface in the mid-to-far infrared
• Grantee: Francisco Carlos Barbosa Maia
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Initial Project
• FAPESP's process: 20/15740-3 - Nanophotonics of low-dimensional semiconductor oxides in the infrared and terahertz regimes
• Grantee: Rafael Alves Mayer
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 19/14017-9 - From excitons waves to THz-phonons: 2Ds materials nano-optics via synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy
• Grantee: Raul de Oliveira Freitas
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/09839-5 - Natural topological transitions and Luttinger-liquid plasmons in two-dimensional WTe2 crystals in the Terahertz range
• Grantee: Flávio Henrique Feres
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral