Terahertz surfoluminescence

Authors

D L. Cortie, University of WollongongFollow
R A. Lewis, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

63470

Publication Details

Cortie, D. L. & Lewis, R. A. (2012). Terahertz surfoluminescence. Surface Science, 606 (21-22), 1573-1576.

Abstract

The cleaving of a solid to form two new surfaces may result in the emission of light. Conventional mechanoluminescence involves the transfer of charge between the two surfaces. We now demonstrate that the ultra-fast separation of charge within a newly-formed surface will lead to the emission of electromagnetic radiation. In contrast to the visible light previously observed and modeled, the intra-surface radiation contains terahertz frequencies. This newmechanism – named here surfoluminescence – introduces a new class of terahertz-frequency emitters. It also may in part explain the recent observation of terahertz emission from peeling adhesive tape.