Electrical control of all-optical graphene switches

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Graphene is an ultrafast photonic material for optical switching.
• Its atomic thinness limits light interaction, causing high switching energy.
• Reducing energy consumption is crucial for photonic computing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and theoretically demonstrate a novel technique for electrically controlling the switching energy of all-optical graphene switches.
• To enable ultra-efficient graphene-based photonic devices.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical demonstration of an all-optical graphene switch integrated on a silicon nitride waveguide.
• Application of an electrical bias voltage to modulate switching energy.

Main Results:

• A 120 µm all-optical graphene switch was theoretically designed.
• Achieved an 8.9 dB extinction ratio and 2.4 dB insertion loss.
• Demonstrated switching time <100 fs, fall time <5 ps, and switching energy of 235 fJ at 2.5 V bias.
• Applied voltage reduced switching energy by approximately 16×.

Conclusions:

• The proposed electrical control technique significantly reduces switching energy in all-optical graphene switches.
• This method offers a promising alternative to plasmon-enhanced devices.
• The findings pave the way for ultra-efficient graphene switches for next-generation photonic computing.