Flexible terahertz metamaterials for dual-axis strain sensing

Utilizing an elastic polymer, we design and experimentally demonstrate a four-fold symmetric flexible metamaterial operating at terahertz frequencies. The fabricated metamaterials exhibit good stretchability and recoverability. Two independent resonances can be observed when the structure is probed with linearly polarized terahertz waves in two orthogonal axes. Applying a stretching force along a main axis causes an observable frequency shift in the corresponding resonance, with minimal effect on the other. This study suggests a possible application of flexible metamaterials for dual-axis strain sensing. (c) 2013 Optical Society of America