Graphene-embedded first-order mode polymer Mach-Zender interferometer thermo-optic switch with low power consumption

Area of Science:

• Photonics and optical engineering
• Materials science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) material integrated thermo-optic switches offer low power consumption but suffer from high propagation loss due to material absorption.
• Existing devices require optimization to balance low loss and power efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel graphene-embedded polymer Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) thermo-optic switch.
• To minimize both propagation loss and power consumption using a specific E01x mode and device design.

Main Methods:

• Simulations based on the symmetry of a 3D structure and the E01x mode to analyze a central embedded graphene electrode.
• Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations to determine power consumption and response speed.
• Comparison with traditional top heating electrode designs.

Main Results:

• The proposed graphene-embedded structure exhibits a low absorption loss of 0.06 dB/cm.
• Simulated power consumption is 1.57 mW, a 74% reduction compared to top heating electrodes.
• Simulated response speeds are 1.2 μs (rise) and 70.6 μs (down).

Conclusions:

• The graphene-embedded MZI thermo-optic switch effectively minimizes loss and power consumption.
• The device demonstrates fast response times, making it suitable for optical switching.
• Potential applications include 2D integrated low-power-consumption mode division multiplexers.