Optical diode action from axially asymmetric nonlinearity in an all-carbon solid-state device

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photonics

Background:

• Nanostructured carbons offer potential alternatives to silicon for device miniaturization.
• Development of solid-state optical diodes is crucial for advanced photonic and electronic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally realize the first all-carbon solid-state optical diode.
• To investigate its performance characteristics, including polarization independence and tunability.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a tandem arrangement of a saturable absorber (graphene) and a reverse saturable absorber (C60).
• Investigating axially asymmetric nonlinear absorption for diode functionality.
• Tuning the nonreciprocity factor by adjusting graphene layers and C60 concentration/thickness.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of an all-carbon solid-state optical diode.
• Achieved polarization-independent operation without phase-matching constraints.
• Demonstrated tunability of the nonreciprocity factor.

Conclusions:

• The developed graphene/C60 optical diode is ultracompact, versatile, and possesses inherent large bandwidth, chemical, and thermal stability.
• This technology is suitable for cost-effective, large-scale integration with existing fabrication methods.
• Paves the way for miniaturized photonic and electronic devices.