Researchers at the Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (ORIST), in collaboration with the University of Osaka and Tohoku University, have developed a flexible and stretchable silicon material whose response to terahertz waves can be mechanically tuned. By etching microscopic spiral springs into silicon, the team made the fragile material bendable and stretchable.

The work is published in the journal Optica.

Terahertz waves, whose frequencies lie between those of microwaves and light, hold potential for material inspection and future wireless communications. Silicon is used to fabricate low-loss optical components in terahertz bands. However, these components are rigid and can be easily broken by mechanical impact.