From the birth of plasmonics, the generation of hot carriers in nanostructured metals has been recognized as a fundamental challenge towards effectively harnessing light energy stored in sub-diffraction plasmon modes. However, the observation of hot-carrier transport at metal/dielectric Schottky junctions has reframed this challenge as a distinctive opportunity to facilitate precise control over photochemical and photophysical processes in a manner that is both spectrally selective and spatially precise. To further diversify the array of prospective applicationsin this research area, we showcase the generation of terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves using the ultrafast formation and interfacial transport of plasmonic hot carriers in hybrid metal/dielectric nano-systems. The introduced hot-carrier-based coherent THz sources mitigate stringent materials requirements pertinent to state-of-the-art technologies for producing THz waves.
KEYWORDS: Sum frequency generation, Plasmonics, Deep learning, Upconversion, Nonlinear metamaterials, Photons, Second harmonic generation, Nonlinear optics
Photonic upconversion from the infrared regime to the visible spectrum can occur through sum-frequency generation (SFG). A second-order nonlinear optical response, such as SFG, can be produced from a nonlinear material, in this case an ABC nanolaminate. Optimization of a metamaterial consisting of a plasmonic nanolaminate device can maximize the SFG from incident wavelengths. Utilization of a deep learning framework removes the need for traditional guess and check methods and creates new possibilities for plasmonic geometries. Applications of this research include low-cost night vision or low light imaging systems for defense, autonomous vehicles, and other commercial uses.
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