Novel Optical Kerr Switching Photonic Device Based on Nonlinear Carbon Material

• Published in: Micromachines (Basel) Vol. 14; no. 12; p. 2216
• Main Authors: Wang, Ke, Xie, Zhoufa, Ji, Jianhua, Song, Yufeng, Zhang, Bin, Wang, Zhenhong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.12.2023
• Subjects: 2D material; all-optical signal processing; Carbon; Carbon black; Communication; Communications systems; Composite materials; Control stability; Electric fields; Endangered & extinct species; Extinction; Gold; Graphene; Kerr optical switching; Nanoparticles; Nonlinear optics; Optical communication; Optical properties; Optics; Particle size; Phosphorus; Photonics; Quantum dots; Signal processing; Switching; Two dimensional materials; all-optical signal processing; Kerr optical switching; 2D material
• ISSN: 2072-666X; 2072-666X
• DOI: 10.3390/mi14122216

In the context of current communication systems, there is an urgent demand for more efficient and higher-speed optical signal processing technologies. Researchers are actively exploring new materials and devices to harness nonlinear optical phenomena, seeking advancements in this field. Nonlinear carbon materials, especially promising 2D materials, have garnered attention for their potential interaction with light and have become integral to the development of all-optical signal processing devices. This study focuses on utilizing a photonic device based on a nonlinear Au/CB composite material for optical Kerr switching. The application of Au/CB as a nonlinear material in the Kerr switch represents a noteworthy advancement, demonstrating its capability to modulate optical signals. By appropriately applying a pump light, the study achieves optical Kerr switching with an extinction ratio of approximately 15 dB in the fully off state of the signal light carrying a 10 GHz analog signal, marking a pioneering achievement in the field to the best of our knowledge. The experimental results, encompassing extinction ratios, signal control, and stability, not only validate the feasibility of this technology but also underscore its potential applicability within optical communication systems. The successful modulation and control of a 10 GHz analog signal showcase the practicality and effectiveness of the Au/CB-based optical Kerr switch. This progress contributes to the continuous evolution of optical Kerr switching, a crucial component in modern optical communication systems. Therefore, we believe that the Au/CB-based optical Kerr switch is an exceptionally promising and stable all-optical signal processing device. As the contemporary communication landscape evolves, the integration of this technology holds the potential to enhance the efficiency and speed of optical signal processing.