A ground-breaking study led by researchers from Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie (IFN-CNR), Università di Padova, Politecnico di Milano, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, University of Oxford and Princeton University has unveiled a new approach to creating tunable terahertz (THz) metadevices using organic mixed ion-electron conductors (OMIECs).

Terahertz radiation, essential in applications like security screening, biomedical imaging, and wireless communications, requires precise control, which has been challenging. The team’s innovative technique leverages OMIECs to dynamically tune THz responses, opening doors for more adaptable, efficient devices. By integrating these organic materials into metadevices, researchers demonstrated controllable THz modulation through low-voltage electrochemical reactions.

This method contrasts with traditional approaches that require higher power, making it more energy-efficient and adaptable. The study’s findings pave the way for advanced applications, potentially impacting healthcare and information technology. The team’s novel strategy could mark a significant step forward in developing flexible, low-cost terahertz technologies.

As OMIEC-based devices become more accessible, their impact could expand into new domains, enhancing sensor technology, wireless systems, and beyond.

The results have been recently published by Nature Communications (details and link here below)

Bortolotti, C., Grandi, F., Butti, M. et al. “Tuning direct-written terahertz metadevices with organic mixed ion-electron conductors”. Nat Commun 15, 9639 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53372-5