A dual functional tunable terahertz metamaterial absorber based on vanadium dioxide

Abstract

A dual-functional switchable metamaterial absorber (MMA) based on vanadium dioxide (VO₂), which achieves flexible switching between broadband absorption and four-band absorption by adjusting the VO₂ conductivity, was proposed. The device has a broadband absorption function when VO₂ is in the metal phase, and the conductivity is 3 × 10⁵ S m⁻¹. Numerical simulation shows that the absorption rate of the device reaches over 90% in the frequency range of 3.36–6.98 THz. The absorber exhibits polarization insensitivity and wide-angle absorption to transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) waves. When VO₂ is in the insulator phase, and the conductivity is 3 × 10² S m⁻¹, the device switches to a narrowband absorber with a band-efficient absorption function. Numerical simulation shows that the device has an absorption rate of 99.7% at 2.39 THz, 98.3% at 2.83 THz, 95.6% at 3.84 THz, and 96.1% at 4.61 THz. It can be used as a sensor with high sensitivity. In addition, to verify the absorption mechanism of the absorber, we introduced impedance matching theory to analyze the device. Finally, the influence of structural parameters on the performance of resonators was investigated. Through the joint action of multi-layer structures, the proposed MMA concentrates broadband and narrowband absorption functions on one device, achieving flexible switching between tasks without changing the structure. The switchable metamaterial absorber designed through simple tuning methods has broad application prospects in stealth technology and thermal emitters. It provides a wide range of ideas for the design of terahertz functional devices.