Ultra-compact graphene-embedded optical phase modulators

Optical modulator is the key components in the optical communication, yet the low modulation efficiency limits its development. A high efficiency, ultra-compact optical modulator is proposed which the electro-refraction effect has been significantly enhanced. The different kinds of graphene schemes are compared and discussed. A graphene embedded Mach-Zender modulator has been theoretically demonstrated with the advantage of ultra-compact footprint (4×30 μm²), high modulation efficiency (20 V·μm), fast modulation speed and large extinction ratio (35dB). Our results may promote various on-chip active components, boosting the utilization of graphene in optical applications.