Novel functionality based on photo-thermal effects in silicon photonic
chips with 2D graphene oxide films
Abstract
On-chip integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials with unique
structures and distinctive properties endow integrated devices with new
functionalities and improved performance. With a high flexibility in
modifying its properties and a strong compatibility with various
integrated platforms, graphene oxide (GO) becomes an attractive 2D
material for implementing functional hybrid integrated devices. Here, we
demonstrate novel functionalities that go beyond the capabilities of
conventional photonic integrated circuits, by harnessing the
photo-thermal effects in 2D GO films integrated onto them. These include
all-optical control and switching, optical power limiting, and
non-reciprocal light transmission. The 2D layered GO films are on-chip
integrated with precise control of their thicknesses and sizes.
Benefitting from the broadband response of 2D GO films, all the three
functionalities feature a very wide operational bandwidth. By fitting
the experimental results with theory, we also extract the changes in
material properties induced by the photo-thermal effects, which reveal
interesting insights about 2D GO films. These results highlight the
versatility of 2D GO films in implementing functional integrated
photonic devices for a range of applications.Â