A graphene-based polarization-insensitive amplitude and phase electro-optical modulator

Abstract

This dissertation reports the design of a graphene-based electro-optical modulator, capable of modulating in amplitude and phase, with polarization insensitivity, and compact structure. The design consists of a graphene single layer deposited onto a silicon waveguide with a thin hafnium dioxide dielectric spacer. The dimensions were adjusted to achieve polarization insensitivity and maximize light-graphene interaction while optimizing performance. The results indicate a modulation insensitive to polarization for amplitude and phase operation with energy consumption less than 1 pJ/bit and a 3dB-bandwidth of 11.57 GHz, capable of operating from 1250 nm to 1700 nm covering all wavelengths used in optical communications (1260 − 1650 nm). The device was designed considering easily implementable materials and geometries that are compatible with current manufacturing processes. This concept can assist in the development of future telecommunication technologies such as integrated photonic hardware, optical interconnects, optical microchips, etc. helping to cope with the ever-growing demand for improved communication and information traffic.