Graphene metamaterial modulator for free-space thermal radiation.

TitleGraphene metamaterial modulator for free-space thermal radiation.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsK Fan, J Suen, X Wu, and WJ Padilla
JournalOptics express
Volume24
Issue22
Start Page25189
Pagination25189 - 25201
Date Published10/2016
Abstract

We proposed and demonstrated a new metamaterial architecture capable of high speed modulation of free-space space thermal infrared radiation using graphene. Our design completely eliminates channel resistance, thereby maximizing the electrostatic modulation speed, while at the same time effectively modulating infrared radiation. Experiment results verify that our device with area of 100 × 120 µm<sup>2</sup> can achieve a modulation speed as high as 2.6 GHz. We further highlight the utility of our graphene metamaterial modulator by reconstructing a fast infrared signal using an equivalent time sampling technique. The graphene metamaterial modulator demonstrated here is not only limited to the thermal infrared, but may be scaled to longer infrared and terahertz wavelengths. Our work provides a path forward for realization of frequency selective and all-electronic high speed devices for infrared applications.

DOI10.1364/oe.24.025189
Short TitleOptics express