Abstract
Optical modulators (OMs) are a key device in modern optical systems. Due to its unique optical properties, graphene has been recently utilized in the fabrication of optical modulators, which promise high performance such as broadband response, high modulation speed, and high modulation depth. In this paper, the latest experimental and theoretical demonstrations of graphene optical modulators (GOMs) with different structures and functions are reviewed. Particularly, the principles of electro-optical and all-optical modulators are illustrated. Additionally, the limitation of GOMs and possible methods to improve performance and practicability are discussed. At last, graphene terahertz modulators (GTMs) are introduced.
Highlights
As one of the key components in photonics systems, an optical modulator is a device used to control the fundamental characteristics of a carrier light propagating in free space or in an optical waveguide upon an external electronics/photonics signal [1]
Electro-optical graphene optical modulators (GOMs) have been demonstrated while the modulation speed is limited to approximately 1 GHz due to the RC constant
Higher modulation speed is necessary for current electro-optical GOMs
Summary
As one of the key components in photonics systems, an optical modulator is a device used to control the fundamental characteristics of a carrier light propagating in free space or in an optical waveguide upon an external electronics/photonics signal [1]. Basic designs of electro-optical graphene optical modulator (GOM) In 2011, Liu et al first experimentally demonstrated a GOM by integrating a monolayer graphene sheet on a Si waveguide as shown in Figure 3a [7].
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