Flexible Terahertz Photonic Light-Cage Modules for In-Core Sensing and High Temperature Applications

Terahertz technology is a growing and multidisciplinary research field, particularly in applications relating to sensing telecommunications. A number of terahertz waveguides have emerged over the past few years, which are set complement capabilities existing bulky free-space setups. In most waveguide designs, however, guiding region physically separated from surroundings, making any interaction between guided light environment inefficient. Here, we present photonic cages (THzLCs) operating at frequencies, consisting free-standing dielectric strands, guide within central hollow core with immediate access environment. We experimentally show versatility design flexibility this concept by 3D-printing several cm-length-scale modules on basis single design, using four different polymer ceramic materials, either rigid, flexible, or resistant high temperatures. characterize both propagation bend losses for straight curved waveguides, which, range 0.25–0.7 THz, order ?1 dB/cm former ?2–8 latter radii below 10 cm largely independent chosen material. Our transmission experiments complemented near-field measurements output, reveal antiresonant guidance THzLCs deformed fundamental mode bent agreement numerical conformal mapping simulation models. that these can be used as (i) reconfigurable, bendable modular assemblies; (ii) in-core sensors resonant structures contained directly inside core; (iii) high-temperature sensors, potential industrial monitoring sensing. Finally, introduce discuss appropriate figures merit quantifying performance cage respect propagation. The 3D-printed presented novel useful addition library marrying waveguidelike advantages diffractionless free-space-like immediacy direct exposure surrounding