Development of polarization modulator using MXene thin film.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optoelectronics
• Photonics

Background:

• MXenes, particularly Nb2C, are emerging as promising materials for optoelectronic devices.
• Polarization modulation is a critical function in various photonic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a polarization modulator utilizing Nb2C thin film.
• To investigate the modulation capabilities of Nb2C for S-band signals.

Main Methods:

• An S-band signal was injected into a Nb2C thin film.
• Modulation was achieved using a 1400 nm laser diode.
• Polarization rotation was measured as a function of pump power.

Main Results:

• A polarization rotation of 39.81° was achieved with a pump power of 223 mW.
• The observed rotation is attributed to the thermo-optic effect.
• The efficiency of the polarization modulator was calculated to be 0.1974°/mW.

Conclusions:

• Nb2C is a viable material for developing efficient polarization modulators.
• The thermo-optic effect in Nb2C enables effective light polarization control.
• This device shows potential for integration into optical communication and sensing systems.