An electrically driven terahertz metamaterial PIN modulator

A A. A. Titenko (Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,) V V. D. Bobova (Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,) M M. S. Sokolova (Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,) S S. M. Makarovskaya (Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,) V V. V. Solovyev (Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,) I I. V. Kukushkin (Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,) V V. M. Muravev (Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,)

Abstract

A terahertz (THz) amplitude modulator based on a silicon p–i–n structure integrated with a planar metamaterial grating is experimentally demonstrated for free-space operation. Electrical modulation is achieved via bulk injection of nonequilibrium carriers into high-resistivity silicon, resulting in enhanced absorption of terahertz radiation in resonant modes of the structure. Owing to strong electromagnetic field confinement, a modulation depth of up to 26.7 dB is achieved. Time-resolved measurements reveal a switching time of 5.8 μs, governed by carrier recombination dynamics in the silicon bulk. The demonstrated modulator provides an efficient and CMOS-compatible solution for terahertz communication and imaging systems.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 128, Issue 23
Published June 08, 2026
ISSN 0003-6951
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

Applied Physics Letters

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0003-6951 Physical Sciences

Authors (7)

A

A. A. Titenko

Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,

V

V. D. Bobova

Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,

M

M. S. Sokolova

Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,

S

S. M. Makarovskaya

Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,

V

V. V. Solovyev

Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,

I

I. V. Kukushkin

Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,

V

V. M. Muravev

Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences 1 , Chernogolovka 142432,