Inverse design of terahertz amplitude modulator using tandem deep neural networks

Applied Physics Letters AIP Publishing 128:4 (2026) 041701

Authors:

Tae-In Jeong, Eunji Choi, Robert A Taylor, Seungchul Kim

Abstract:

The terahertz (THz) frequency range has emerged as a promising spectral window for broad applications, including next-generation wireless communication, high-resolution imaging, and ultrafast spectroscopy. Among the essential components in these systems, amplitude modulators with high quality (Q) factors can provide sharp, selective frequency responses, which are key requirements for scalable and high-performance THz systems. However, designing high-Q THz modulators remains challenging, as conventional full-wave simulations are time-consuming and inefficient. In this study, we propose a deep learning-based inverse design framework tailored for THz metasurfaces composed of split-ring resonators (SRRs). The framework is built on a tandem neural network architecture that couples a forward model with an inverse network to retrieve structural parameters from desired spectral responses. To enhance physical feasibility and predictive stability, we introduce an autoencoder-based spectral projection method. Our model accurately reconstructs SRR geometries across a wide range of spectral targets by learning the underlying physical relationships. Notably, we demonstrate the inverse design of Fano resonant geometries characterized by high-Q factors and sharp asymmetric resonances, which are essential features for achieving deep modulation. By extending the tandem deep learning approach to the THz domain and incorporating an autoencoder-based spectral projection, our framework provides a scalable and efficient pathway for the rapid prototyping of tunable, high-Q THz devices and lays the foundation for artificial intelligence-driven design of advanced THz photonic components.

Comprehensive Analysis of Temperature-Dependent Photoluminescence in Silica-Encapsulated CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 Perovskite Nanocrystals

Nanomaterials MDPI 16:1 (2026) 76

Authors:

Ming Mei, Minju Kim, Sang Hyuk Park, Ga Eul Choi, Songyi Lee, Robert A Taylor, Wei Chen, Suck Won Hong, Kwangseuk Kyhm

Abstract:

The temperature-dependent photoluminescence of CsPbBr3/SiO2 and CsPbI3/SiO2 nanocrystals was investigated to understand the thermal stability of SiO2 encapsulation. At increased temperature, intensity quenching, linewidth broadening, energy level shift, and decay dynamics were evaluated as quantified parameters. Comprehensive analysis of these parameters 91探花s that CsPbI3/SiO2 nanocrystals show a stronger interaction with phonons compared with CsPbBr3/SiO2 nanocrystals. Despite SiO2 encapsulation, we conclude that trapping states are still present and the degree of localization can be characterized in terms of short-lived decay time and thermal activation energy.

Dispersive near-infrared metalens integrated with linear polarization filtering functionality

Results in Optics Elsevier 21:Appl. Phys. Lett. 124 24 2024 (2025) 100902

Authors:

Tae Young Kang, ByungSuk Lee, Seunghun Lee, Seonyong An, Robert A Taylor, Kyoungchun Kwon, Kyujung Kim

Abstract:

The miniaturization and enhanced functionality of LiDAR systems present critical challenges in automotive sensing technologies, particularly in achieving efficient wide-angle beam scanning while maintaining compact form factors. We demonstrate a novel dual-wavelength polarization-selective concave metalens operating at 904聽nm and 940聽nm wavelengths, the standard operating wavelengths for LiDAR systems. By engineering rectangular TiO2 nanopillars on a quartz substrate, we achieved simultaneous polarization filtering and concave phase profile functionality within a single metasurface layer. The optimized 600聽nm聽脳聽600聽nm unit cell design with 1.7聽渭m height nanopillars enables full 2蟺 phase coverage while maintaining high transmission efficiency for the desired polarization state. Our fabricated metalens exhibits remarkable polarization extinction ratios (ER) of 124:1 and 102:1 at 904聽nm and 940聽nm wavelengths, respectively. Angular-resolved measurements demonstrate wide beam divergence angles of 148掳 and 138掳 at the respective wavelengths, with 50聽% of total power contained within聽卤聽38掳 and聽卤聽25掳.

Narrow Linewidth Spontaneous and Lasing Emissions from Open鈥怉ccess Microcavity鈥怑mbedded Perovskite Quantum Dots

Advanced Optical Materials Wiley (2025) e01918

Authors:

Sunny Tiwari, Amit R Dhawan, SangHyuk Park, Sangeun Cho, Gareth S Jones, Jason M Smith, Robert A Taylor, Tristan Farrow

Abstract:

Achieving efficient optical coupling between the emission from perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) and photonic integrated elements requires ultranarrow linewidths and highly directional emission. These are challenging goals at room temperature due to the broad and isotropic nature of perovskite emission. Here, we demonstrate ultranarrow鈥恖inewidth emission from CsPbBr3 PQDs at room temperature, in both spontaneous and stimulated regimes, by coupling to state鈥恛f鈥恡he鈥恆rt open鈥恆ccess curved dielectric cavities under continuous wave excitation. The emission is confined to a single transverse electromagnetic mode of the cavity, achieving a remarkably narrow linewidth of 0.2 nm, 鈮100脳 narrower than free鈥恠pace emission in both the emission regime. Single鈥恗ode lasing from a small number of PQDs is observed, yielding a quality factor of 鈮2590, among the highest reported for single鈥恗ode lasing. The open鈥恆ccess design enables precise tuning of cavity length and selective coupling of emitters in their native state, overcoming the limitations associated with closed and fixed鈥恖ength vertical鈥恈avity surface emitting laser geometries. The geometry's low divergence and tunability provide an efficient route for integrating perovskite emitters with on鈥恈hip photonic circuits, advancing their use in quantum and optoelectronic technologies.

Nanoscale MoS 2 -in-Nanoporous Au Hybrid Structure for Enhancing Electrochemical Sensing

Sensors MDPI 25:23 (2025) 7137

Authors:

Jihee Kim, Minju Kim, Yunju Choi, Jong-Seong Bae, Seunghun Lee, Robert A Taylor, Andy Chong, Kwangseuk Kyhm, Mijeong Kang

Abstract:

We report the fabrication of nanoscale MoS2 (nMoS2) via laser ablation in liquid and its application in electrochemical sensing. The laser ablation process fragments microscale MoS2 sheets into ~5 nm dots with stable aqueous dispersibility. Electrochemical analysis reveals that nMoS2 possesses multiple reversible redox states, enabling it to participate in redox cycling reactions that can amplify electrochemical signals. When the nMoS2 is embedded in an electrochemically inert matrix, a chitosan layer, and subsequently incorporated within a nanostructured Au electrode, the nMoS2-participating redox cycling reactions are further enhanced by the nanoconfinement effect, leading to synergistic signal amplification. As a model system, this hybrid nMoS2-in-nanoporous Au electrode demonstrates a 9-fold increase in sensitivity for detecting pyocyanin, a biomarker of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, compared with a flat electrode without nMoS2 loading. This study not only elucidates the redox characteristics of laser-fabricated zero-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides but also presents a strategy to integrate semiconducting nanomaterials with metallic nanostructures for high-performance electrochemical sensing.