Planar terahertz waveguides based on complementary split ring resonators.

We experimentally demonstrate planar plasmonic THz waveguides using metal films that are periodically perforated with complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs). The waveguide transmission spectra exhibit numerous transmission resonances. While the geometry is commonly used in developing negative index materials, the excitation geometry used here does not allow for conventional metamaterial response. Instead, we show that all of the observed resonances can be determined from the geometrical properties of the CSRR apertures. Surprisingly, the Bragg condition does not appear to limit the frequency extent of the observed resonances. The results suggest that metamaterial-inspired geometries may be useful for developing THz guided-wave devices.