Researchers have shown it is possible to combine graphene, boron nitride and a nanoscale gold grating to create a new class of optical modulator.
“This could pave the way for faster circuits, which is the main selling point of using light instead of electrical signals,” PhD student Philip Thomas said. “But probably the bigger result from this work is that it could allow for a dramatic reduction in the size of these circuits. It is rare to have a modulator which both creates a strong modulation effect and is so tiny.”
Modulators are important in optoelectronic circuits as they control the signals passed through optoelectronic devices. Previous attempts to create hybrid modulators incorporating graphene are said to have yielded promising although limited results.
The proposed device can process information using light much the same way as computers process information using electrons.
Professor Sasha Grigorenko added: “It is unprecedented to achieve light modulation in such a wide wavelength range - from visible to infrared light in which human eye, night vision goggles and thermal imaging operate - using just one simple design.”
