# 2D Semiconductor Nonlinear Plasmonic Modulators

## TL;DR

This paper introduces the first 2D semiconductor nonlinear plasmonic modulator using WSe2 monolayer, achieving significant transmission change and ultralow switching energy through strong exciton-SPP coupling.

## Contribution

It demonstrates a novel 2D semiconductor-based nonlinear plasmonic modulator with high modulation depth and ultralow energy, advancing plasmonic device technology.

## Key findings

- 73% change in transmission achieved
- Modulation depth of 4.1% demonstrated
- Ultralow switching energy of 40 aJ estimated

## Abstract

A plasmonic modulator is a device that controls the amplitude or phase of propagating plasmons. In a pure plasmonic modulator, the presence or absence of a pump plasmonic wave controls the amplitude of a probe plasmonic wave through a channel. This control has to be mediated by an interaction between disparate plasmonic waves, typically requiring the integration of a nonlinear material. In this work, we demonstrate the first 2D semiconductor nonlinear plasmonic modulator based on a WSe2 monolayer integrated on top of a lithographically defined metallic waveguide. We utilize the strong coupling between the surface plasmon polaritons, SPPs, and excitons in the WSe2 to give a 73 percent change in transmission through the device. We demonstrate control of the propagating SPPs using both optical and SPP pumps, realizing the first demonstration of a 2D semiconductor nonlinear plasmonic modulator, with a modulation depth of 4.1 percent, and an ultralow switching energy estimated to be 40 aJ.

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/1902.04626