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Measuring the nonlinear refractive index of graphene using the optical Kerr effect method
Optics Letters
|July 16, 2016
Summary
This study measured graphene's nonlinear optical properties using ultrafast optical Kerr effect (OHD-OKE) and Z-scan methods. Results show a negative nonlinear refractive index, contradicting prior research and highlighting the impact of doping.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics and Photonics
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Graphene exhibits unique third-order nonlinear optical properties.
- Accurate characterization of these properties is crucial for optoelectronic applications.
- Discrepancies exist in reported nonlinear optical coefficients for graphene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the third-order nonlinear response of graphene.
- To compare experimental results from OHD-OKE and Z-scan techniques.
- To investigate discrepancies in reported nonlinear refractive index values.
Main Methods:
- Ultrafast optical Kerr effect (OHD-OKE) with optical heterodyne detection.
- Z-scan technique for nonlinear optical measurements.
- Comparison of experimental data with literature values.
Main Results:
- Estimated a negative nonlinear refractive index for monolayer graphene (n2 = -1.1 x 10^-13 m^2/W).
- Observed discrepancies between OHD-OKE and Z-scan measurements.
- Found inconsistencies with previously reported nonlinear refractive index values.
Conclusions:
- The nonlinear refractive index of graphene is sensitive to experimental methods and doping levels.
- Further investigation is needed to resolve conflicting reports on graphene's nonlinear optical response.
- Understanding these nonlinearities is key for advanced photonic devices.
