Dynamically controllable multi-switch and slow light based on a pyramid-shaped monolayer graphene metamaterial

Area of Science:

• Metamaterials
• Terahertz technology
• Graphene applications

Background:

• Graphene exhibits metallic properties at terahertz frequencies.
• Multilayer graphene gratings enable multiple plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) spectral responses.
• Increasing graphene layers complicates device design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel monolayer graphene metamaterial structure.
• To achieve dynamically controllable multiple PIT spectral responses.
• To explore potential applications in terahertz devices.

Main Methods:

• Design and simulation of a five-step-coupled pyramid-shaped monolayer graphene metamaterial.
• Analysis of electric field distributions and quantum level theory for physical mechanism.
• Application of coupled mode theory (CMT) for mathematical modeling.

Main Results:

• Prediction of a dynamically controllable PIT with four transparency peaks in monolayer graphene.
• Demonstration of a tunable multi-switch and slow light effect over a wide PIT window.
• Achieved high modulation depth (97.95%) and significant time delay (0.488 ps) with a group refractive index of 586.

Conclusions:

• The proposed pyramid-shaped monolayer graphene metamaterial offers a simplified approach to achieving multiple PIT peaks.
• The device exhibits excellent tunable switching and slow light capabilities.
• Potential applications include efficient filters, switches, and slow light devices in the terahertz domain.