Nanoscale phase modulator and optical switch based on graphene-coated fiber

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Nanophotonics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) enable light confinement at the nanoscale.
• Graphene's unique properties make it suitable for optoelectronic applications.
• Miniaturization of optical components is crucial for integrated systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and investigate novel phase modulators and optical switches.
• To leverage graphene's properties for high-performance nanoscale optical devices.
• To explore the tunability and efficiency of these graphene-based devices.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of fiber devices coated with graphene.
• Characterization of surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes and effective indices.
• Measurement of transmission losses, voltage modulation, and switching performance.

Main Results:

• Achieved very high effective indices (>400) due to SPP confinement on graphene.
• Developed devices with nanoscale dimensions (several nanometers in length).
• Demonstrated low minimum transmission losses (0.54 dB for modulator, 0.18 dB for switch) and low voltage requirement (0.3 V).

Conclusions:

• Graphene-coated fiber devices offer a promising platform for compact and efficient phase modulators and optical switches.
• The performance is tunable via graphene coating length and applied voltage.
• These devices hold potential for fiber-based, nanoscale optic, and optoelectronic systems.