Gain enhancement in graphene terahertz amplifiers with resonant structures

Terahertz (THz) devices have been investigated over the last decade to utilize THz waves for non-destructive sensing and high-speed wireless communications. Graphene with gapless and linear energy spectra is expected to exhibit population inversion and has negative dynamic conductivity in the THz range when it is illuminated by infrared light. We analyze a THz amplifier utilizing this negative dynamic conductivity combined with electric field enhancements due to surface plasmon polaritons induced on a metal mesh and with a resonant structure. We evaluate its characteristics through finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic simulations. The amplifier is expected to remarkably enhance THz emissions compared with amplifiers without the resonant structure.