Tunable spatial mode converters and optical diodes for graphene parallel plate waveguides

Area of Science:

• Photonics and optical engineering
• Materials science
• Graphene-based devices

Background:

• Graphene parallel plate (GPP) waveguides offer unique optical properties.
• Spatial mode conversion is crucial for manipulating light in waveguide structures.
• Tunable optical components are essential for flexible photonic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce compact, tunable spatial mode converters for GPP waveguides.
• To develop optical diodes utilizing GPP waveguides.
• To investigate the tunability and loss tolerance of these novel devices.

Main Methods:

• Spatial modulation of graphene conductivity to achieve mode conversion.
• Tuning the operating wavelength by adjusting graphene chemical potential.
• Integration of a mode converter with a coupler for optical diode functionality.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated reciprocal spatial mode converters between even and odd modes in GPP waveguides.
• Achieved wavelength tunability in the mid-infrared range.
• Successfully designed and analyzed optical diodes with preserved functionality under lossy conditions.

Conclusions:

• Compact, tunable spatial mode converters and optical diodes can be realized using GPP waveguides.
• Graphene's tunable conductivity is key for device performance.
• The proposed devices show robustness against optical loss, indicating practical potential.