title: THz surface wave collapse on coated metal surfaces.
abstract: The Zenneck THz surface wave (Z-TSW) on metals is discussed with respect to its difficulty in generation and measurement. The spatial collapse of the extent of the Z-TSW evanescent field, upon the addition of a sub-wavelength dielectric layer on the metal surface, is explained by a simple model, in good agreement with exact analytical theory. Experimental measurements of the THz surface wave on an aluminum surface covered with a 12.5 microm thick dielectric layer have completely characterized the resultant single-mode dielectric layer THz surface wave (DL-TSW). The measured frequency-dependent exponential fall-off of the evanescent wave from the surface agrees well with theory. The DL-TSW frequency-dependent absorption coefficient, phase velocity, group velocity and group velocity dispersion have been obtained. These guided-wave parameters compare favorably with other guided wave structures.
authors.affiliation: School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
authors.forename: Mufei
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gong
authors.forename: Tae-In
authors.initials: TI
authors.lastname: Jeon
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grischkowsky