3D printed terahertz diffraction gratings and lenses

3D printing opens up an inexpensive, rapid, and versatile path to the fabrication of optical elements suited to the terahertz regime. The transmission of the plastics used in 3D printers, while generally decreasing with frequency, is usable over the range 0.1-2 THz. We have designed, fabricated, and tested regular and blazed gratings and aspherical lenses for operation at terahertz frequencies. We find that the measured performance matches our theoretical predictions. Disciplines Engineering | Science and Technology Studies Publication Details Squires, A. D., Constable, E. & Lewis, R. A. (2015). 3D printed terahertz diffraction gratings and lenses. Journal of Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, 36 (1), 72-80. This journal article is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow.edu.au/eispapers/3538 Journal of Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves manuscript No. (will be inserted by the editor) 3D printed terahertz diffraction gratings and lenses A. D. Squires · E. Constable · R. A. Lewis Received: 19 September 2014 / Revised: 30 September 2014 / Accepted: 25 October 2014 Abstract 3D printing opens up an inexpensive, rapid, and versatile path to the fabrication of optical elements suited to the terahertz regime. The transmission of the plastics used in 3D printers, while generally decreasing with frequency, is usable over the range 0.1–2 THz. We have designed, fabricated, and tested regular and blazed gratings and aspherical lenses for operation at terahertz frequencies. We find that the measured performance matches our theoretical predictions.