Investigation of a broadband refractory metal metamaterial absorber at terahertz frequencies

A broadband, polarization-independent, and wide-angle refractory metal metamaterial absorber is numerically investigated at terahertz frequencies, which consists of a periodic array of a chromium metallic loop and a chromium metallic film separated by a polyimide layer. Results show that a higher than 90% broadband absorption can be achieved for the range of frequencies from 1.00 through 2.43 THz, and the full absorption width at half-maximum can attain 110.80%, which is considerably larger than in previously reported results. Moreover, the greater than 90% broadband absorption response can still be maintained when the incidence angle increases to 45 degrees. The physical origin of the proposed broadband absorber originates from localized surface plasmon resonances of the single metallic loop resonator. Furthermore, the designed concept also can be achieved in the visible and near-infrared region by rationally designing the dimensions of the absorber. This compact design has potential applications in stealth technology, energy harvesting, and thermal imaging. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America