Integrated ultra-high-performance graphene optical modulator

Abstract With the increasing need for large volumes of data processing, transport, and storage, optimizing trade-off between high-speed energy consumption in today’s optoelectronic devices is getting increasingly difficult. Heterogeneous material integration into silicon- nitride-based photonics has showed promise, albeit at expense millimeter-to centimeter-scale footprints. The hunt an electro-optic modulator that combines high speed, efficiency, compactness to support component density on-chip continues. Using a double-layer graphene optical integrated on Silicon platform, we are able achieve 60 GHz speed (3 dB roll-off), micrometer compactness, efficiency 2.25 fJ/bit this paper. response boosted further by vertical distributed-Bragg-reflector cavity, which reduces driving voltage about 40 times while maintaining sufficient modulation depth (5.2 dB/V). Modulators small, efficient, quick allow photonic chip performance, critical signal sensor platforms, analog- neuromorphic processors.