Optical modulators with two-dimensional layered materials

Abstract

Light modulation is an essential operation in photonics and optoelectronics. The recent demonstration that two-dimensional layered materials could modulate various light properties (e.g., wavelength, amplitude, phase, and polarization) with superior performance has stimulated intense research and significant advances [1–7], paving the way for realistic photonic and optoelectronic applications [1–10]. I will discuss the state-of-the-art of optical modulators based on two-dimensional layered materials including graphene [4–9], transition metal dichalcogenides [6] and black phosphorus [7]. I will present recent advances employing hybrid structures, such as two-dimensional heterostructures [1], plasmonic structures [10], and silicon/fibre integrated structures [5–10]. I will also take a look at future perspectives of optical modulation technologies with two-dimensional layered materials.