17 Apr 2012 | Berardi Sensale-Rodriguez, Rusen Yan, Michelle M. Kelly, Tian Fang, Kristof Tahy, Wan Sik Hwang, Debdeep Jena, Lei Liu & Huili Grace Xing
The paper presents a novel room-temperature broadband terahertz intensity modulator using graphene, which demonstrates superior modulation performance compared to previous devices. The modulator leverages the unique properties of graphene, such as its low intrinsic signal attenuation and excellent hole transport properties, to achieve over 2.5 times better modulation than existing broadband intensity modulators. The device operates by tuning the Fermi level in graphene to control the density of states available for intraband transitions, thereby modulating terahertz transmission. Experimental results show a modulation depth of 15% and a modulation frequency of 20 kHz at room temperature, using a 570-GHz carrier. The study also discusses the potential for further improvements in modulation depth and speed by optimizing graphene quality and device design. The findings highlight the promising integration capabilities of graphene-based terahertz modulators with existing terahertz sources and detectors, making them suitable for compact and cost-effective transceivers in the terahertz band.The paper presents a novel room-temperature broadband terahertz intensity modulator using graphene, which demonstrates superior modulation performance compared to previous devices. The modulator leverages the unique properties of graphene, such as its low intrinsic signal attenuation and excellent hole transport properties, to achieve over 2.5 times better modulation than existing broadband intensity modulators. The device operates by tuning the Fermi level in graphene to control the density of states available for intraband transitions, thereby modulating terahertz transmission. Experimental results show a modulation depth of 15% and a modulation frequency of 20 kHz at room temperature, using a 570-GHz carrier. The study also discusses the potential for further improvements in modulation depth and speed by optimizing graphene quality and device design. The findings highlight the promising integration capabilities of graphene-based terahertz modulators with existing terahertz sources and detectors, making them suitable for compact and cost-effective transceivers in the terahertz band.