3D-Printed Alumina Ceramics for THz Lens Applications

Dielectric lenses can enhance the performance of THz devices. To propose a cost-effective method with design flexibility for lens realization, this study compared the performance of a commercial silicon lens with that of a 3D-printed alumina lens implemented using the LCM (Lithography-based ceramic manufacturing) technique. The performance of the lenses was evaluated by coupling them to a silicon die containing integrated THz direct detectors and measuring the directivity and responsivity. Different strategies (i.e. modification of 3D-printing parameters/part design/heat treatment step) were also proposed and evaluated for the 3D-printing of larger defect-free lenses that could potentially improve the directivity.