Photomechanical meta-molecule array for real-time terahertz imaging

Real-time terahertz(THz)imaging offers remarkable application possibilities,especially in the security and medical fields.However,most THz detectors work with scanners,and a long image acquisition time is required.Some thermal detectors can achieve realtime imaging by using a focal plane array but have the drawbacks of low sensitivity due to a lack of suitable absorbing materials.In this study,we propose a novel photomechanical meta-molecule array by conveniently assembling THz meta-atom absorbers and bi-material cantilevers together,which can couple THz radiation to a mechanical deflection of the meta-molecules with high efficiency.By optically reading out the mechanical deflections of all of the meta-molecules simultaneously,real-time THz imaging can be achieved.A polyimide sacrificial layer technique was developed to fabricate the device on a glass wafer,which facilitates the transmission of a readout light while the THz wave radiates onto the meta-molecule array directly from the front side.THz images and video of various objects as well as infrared images of the human body were captured successfully with the fabricated metamolecule array.The proposed photomechanical device holds promise in applications in single and broadband THz as well as infrared imaging.