Abstract
Light modulation is an essential operation in photonics and optoelectronics. With existing and emerging technologies increasingly demanding compact, efficient, fast and broadband optical modulators, high-performance light modulation solutions are becoming indispensable. The recent realization that 2D layered materials could modulate light with superior performance has prompted intense research and significant advances, paving the way for realistic applications. In this Review, we cover the state of the art of optical modulators based on 2D materials, including graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides and black phosphorus. We discuss recent advances employing hybrid structures, such as 2D heterostructures, plasmonic structures, and silicon and fibre integrated structures. We also take a look at the future perspectives and discuss the potential of yet relatively unexplored mechanisms, such as magneto-optic and acousto-optic modulation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 227-238 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Nature Photonics |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 31 Mar 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2016 |
Bibliographical note
Funding: EU's 7FP (REA grant agreement No. 631610); Academy of Finland (No.:276376, 284548), TEKES (OPEC); Teknologiateollisuus TT-100; Nokia foundation; Aalto University; H2020 Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship scheme; United States National Science Foundation (EFMA-1542741).Keywords
- mode-locked lasers
- nonlinear optics
- optical properties and devices
- optoelectronic devices and components