Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026
07:24
Visible-light Induced Reduction of Graphene Oxide Using Plasmonic Nanoparticle
Published on: September 22, 2015
14.9K
Photo-induced reduction of graphene oxide coating on optical waveguide and consequent optical intermodulation
W Y Chong1, W H Lim1, Y K Yap2
1Photonics Research Centre, Physics Department, Science Faculty, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Scientific Reports
|April 2, 2016
Summary
Graphene-oxide coated waveguides absorb transverse-electric (TE) light, enabling them to act as TM-pass polarizers. This photo-absorption induces thermal reduction, creating an optical switch/modulator with high efficiency and fast response times.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and optical materials science.
- Nanomaterials and thin-film applications.
- Optoelectronics and device physics.
Background:
- Graphene-oxide (GO) is a promising material for optical applications due to its tunable properties.
- Waveguide devices are fundamental components in integrated optics.
- Controlling light polarization and intensity is crucial for optical communication and sensing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the optical behavior of graphene-oxide coated polymer waveguides.
- To explore the potential of GO-coated waveguides as optical modulators and polarizers.
- To characterize the performance of these devices under varying light conditions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of polymer waveguides coated with graphene-oxide films.
- Experimental setup to measure light absorption and propagation characteristics for different polarizations (TM and TE).
- Analysis of the photo-thermal effect induced by TE-polarized light on GO film conductivity and waveguide loss.
Main Results:
- Observed increased absorption of TM-polarized light in the presence of TE-polarized light.
- Demonstrated the GO-coated waveguide's function as a TM-pass polarizer.
- Achieved a maximum modulation efficiency of 72% with 57 mW incident TE power, showing response to 100 μs pulses.
- Confirmed no wavelength dependence for modulation or signal light.
Conclusions:
- GO-coated waveguides can function as efficient TM-pass polarizers and inverted optical switches/modulators.
- The photo-thermal effect in GO is key to the modulation mechanism.
- These devices offer promising performance characteristics for integrated photonic applications.
