Modulation of the Optical Transmittance in Multilayer Graphene by an Electrical Signal

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how applying an electrical signal can modulate the optical transmittance and reflectance of multilayer graphene, revealing potential for optical information transmission.

Contribution

It introduces a simple coplanar electrode setup to modulate optical properties of multilayer graphene using electrical signals, including higher harmonics.

Findings

Electrical signals modulate optical transmittance and reflectance.

Higher harmonics appear in transmitted signals.

Modulation could enable optical information transmission.

Abstract

The modulation of the optical transmittance in multilayer graphene by means of an electrical signal in the simple configuration of coplanar electrodes is reported. Besides the fundamental frequency of modulation, higher harmonics also appear in the transmitted signal. Modulation is also observed in the optical reflectance. The modulation of the optical properties in multilayer graphene by electrical signals may be useful for the transmission of information by optical means.