An investigation of magnetically active terahertz devices

• Author / Creator

  Straatsma, Cameron J. E.

• This thesis work focuses on the investigation of utilizing magnetoresistance phenomena in ferromagnetic metals to control the propagation of terahertz electromagnetic radiation confined to subwavelength structures. The purpose of this investigation is to study these phenomena as a potential candidate for use in active plasmonic devices at terahertz frequencies. To accomplish this task, a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system incorporating a high field strength electromagnet is designed, built and characterized. Next, the effects of particle size on the near-field coupling of localized surface plasmon modes in a random terahertz plasmonic metamaterial are presented. Following this, evidence is given for the use of the giant magnetoresistance effect in modulating the transparency of a random terahertz plasmonic metamaterial. The final study utilizes the new terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system to investigate the effects of magnetoresistance on the electromagnetic response of periodic terahertz plasmonic metamaterials.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Terahertz
  • Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
  • Magnetoresistance

• Graduation date

  Fall 2011

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3WK62

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.