3D Printed Broadband Sub-terahertz Absorber for Absolute Power Sensors in Free Space

Evaluating the output of emitters and calibrating detectors using absolute power sensors is critical for public use. In free-space thermal power sensors, the measurement accuracy and sensitivity depend on the absorption characteristics of the absorber, and the response time relates to its intrinsic thermal time constant. A response time of a few seconds is useful in practical scenarios where factors such as power variations caused by changes in the current–voltage characteristics of the emitter are monitored. At the minimum, an intrinsic thermal time constant of a few tens of second is required to achieve a few-second measurement time because the actual time can be enhanced by the control method of the sensors. However, in the sub-terahertz region, conventional broadband absorbers must be adequately thick for high absorption, increasing thermal capacity. Thus, achieving high absorption and a good thermal response remains challenging. In this study, an absorber featuring a resin-hollow pyramidal structure covered with a metal film thinner than the skin depth was devised. To realize the proposed absorber, we used resin 3D printing and Ni–P electroless plating. A comparison with conventional absorbers demonstrated that the thermal time constant was comparable to that of a planar absorber, known for its suitable response but low absorption below 1 THz, while maintaining over 98.6% absorptance in the 0.1- to 0.3-THz range. These results can aid in the construction of a sub-terahertz power sensor with high accuracy, high sensitivity, and a few-second response time.