Modelling of surface waves on a THz antenna detected by a near-field probe.

We have modelled the experimental system based on the sub-wavelength aperture probe employed in our previous work for terahertz (THz) surface plasmon wave imaging on a bowtie antenna. For the first time we demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed interpretation of the images mapped by the probe. The very good agreement between numerical and experimental results proves that the physical quantity detected by the probe is the spatial derivative of the electric field normal component. The achieved understanding of the near-field probe response allows now a correct interpretation of the images and the distribution of the electric field to be extracted. We have also carried out the first assessment of the probe invasiveness and found that the pattern of the surface plasmon wave on the antenna is not modified significantly by the proximity of the probe. This makes the experimental system an effective tool for near-field imaging of THz antennas and other metallic structures.

Imaging of terahertz surface plasmon waves excited on a gold surface by a focused beam.

Surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waves formed near a tightly focused THz beam on a metallic surface are detected by an integrated sub-wavelength aperture THz near-field probe. The probe allows mapping the electric field pattern of the SPP wave and tracking the SPP propagation from the center of the focal spot. The SPP nature of the observed wave is confirmed by time-resolved measurements. Analysis of the detected patterns leads to an explanation of how THz SPP waves can be detected by the integrated sub-wavelength aperture probe.