/enri-thumbnails/careeropportunities1f0caf1c-a12d-479c-be7c-3c04e085c617.tmb-mega-menu.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=d7261e3b_1)
/cradle-thumbnails/research-capabilities1516d0ba63aa44f0b4ee77a8c05263b2.tmb-mega-menu.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=1bc94f8_1)
7e6fdc03-9018-4d08-9a98-8a21acbc37ba.tmb-mega-menu.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=7deaf618_1)
Integrated Broadband Graphene Modulator
Synopsis
Integrated optical modulators, crucial in communication, imaging, sensing, and defence, especially excel in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) and terahertz (THz) spectrum. This graphene modulator offer unparalleled performance across these frequencies, featuring a concentric circular grating that allows for exceptional broadband absorption, offering high modulation depth and faster speeds.
Opportunity
High-performance, integrated optical modulators that excel in the mid-IR and THz frequencies are vital for advanced applications such as free space communication, LIDAR, imaging as well as various sensing and spectroscopy techniques. However, current technologies are unable to provide a solution that achieves high modulation depth and high-speed modulation across these critical wavelength regimes.
Technology
This technology leverages an integrated graphene modulator for efficient optical signal modulation over a broad spectrum:
- Wavelength coverage suitable for mid-IR and THz frequencies, along with potential applications in UV, visible and near-IR spectrums.
- Construction includes a graphene layer situated above a specialised laser electrode.
- The laser electrode comprises a concentric circular metal grating, optimising the interaction between graphene and the laser field.
Figure 1: Cross-section of graphene-based broadband optical modulator.
Applications & Advantages
This graphene-based broadband optical modulator is suitable for numerous applications, from telecommunication to advanced sensing technologies, providing:
- Broadband absorption capabilities across mid-IR frequencies, significantly enhancing system performance by reducing data transfer delays.
- A high modulation depth due to strong graphene interactions within the laser cavity, combined with rapid modulation speeds enabled by the device’s compact design.
.tmb-listing.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=414f0d90_1)
