Surface plasmon enhanced giant Faraday effect in graphene

Abstract

We have theoretically investigated the giant Faraday rotation effect in graphene coupled to metal nanoparticles (MNPs). MNP-induced Faraday rotation effect (MIFRE) results in a giant Faraday rotation angle in high-frequency region where usually no significant Faraday rotation would occur in graphene. Another advantage of MIFRE is the enhanced amplification of the rotating light beam. Furthermore, the MIFRE can be tuned by changing the MNP–graphene distance. The high efficiency and tunability of MIFRE in graphene predict its potential applications in novel graphene-based optical modulators and switches.