Waveguide-Coupled Graphene Optoelectronics

An overview of waveguide-coupled graphene optoelectronics is provided. A review of the optical properties of graphene is first provided and a motivation for waveguide-coupled graphene optoelectronics is given. This motivation is largely based upon the increased interaction length that can be achieved using such geometries. A derivation of the optical absorption for graphene interacting with a guided waveguide mode wave is provided. Device concepts for waveguide-coupled graphene optoelectronic devices, including optical modulators, photodetectors, and polarizers operating in the near- and mid-infrared regimes, are then described. This discussion provides a specific emphasis on the effect of disorder on the expected performance and energy consumption of graphene-based optical modulators. Finally, an outlook for future areas of exploration is given.