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Anisotropic Quantum Well Electro-Optics in Few-Layer Black Phosphorus
Michelle C Sherrott1,2, William S Whitney3, Deep Jariwala1,2
1Thomas J. Watson Laboratory of Applied Physics , California Institute of Technology , Pasadena , California 91125 , United States.
Nano Letters
|December 12, 2018
Summary
Few-layer black phosphorus offers dynamic control of light propagation using electrical tuning. This research explores anisotropic electro-optic effects in black phosphorus for tunable photonic devices.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Electrically tunable materials are crucial for nanoscale optical control.
- Few-layer black phosphorus (BP) exhibits tunable band gaps and anisotropic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate anisotropic electro-optic mechanisms in few-layer black phosphorus.
- Demonstrate electrical control of refractive index and optical properties.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of three electro-optic effects: Burstein-Moss, quantum-confined Stark effect, and symmetry-breaking field effects.
- Tuning across mid-infrared to visible spectrum.
Main Results:
- Achieved near-unity tuning of BP oscillator strength along a crystal axis.
- Transformed anisotropic absorption to nearly isotropic.
- Demonstrated dynamic control of linear dichroism and birefringence.
Conclusions:
- Few-layer black phosphorus enables dynamic, electrical control of light polarization and propagation.
- Anisotropic electro-optic effects are key for active photonic devices.
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