Transfer matrix method for optics in graphene layers

TL;DR

This paper develops a transfer matrix method to analyze optical properties of graphene layers, including multilayer structures and photonic bandgaps, and explores tunable graphene plasmons.

Contribution

It introduces a novel transfer matrix approach for graphene optics, enabling detailed analysis of multilayer structures and photonic bandgap engineering.

Findings

Photonic band structures are well-defined in periodic graphene layers.

The method accurately predicts reflection, transmission, and absorption.

Graphene plasmons can be tuned via simple dispersion modifications.

Abstract

A transfer matrix method is developed for optical calculations of non-interacting graphene layers. Within the framework of this method, optical properties such as reflection, transmission and absorption for single-, double- and multi-layer graphene are studied. We also apply the method to structures consisting of periodically arranged graphene layers, revealing well-defined photonic band structures and even photonic bandgaps. Finally, we discuss graphene plasmons and introduce a simple way to tune the plasmon dispersion.