Scalable graphene platform for Tbits/s data transmission

TL;DR

This paper presents a scalable graphene-based electro-absorption modulator platform capable of achieving data transmission rates exceeding 200 Gbits/s, with potential to reach over 0.6 Tbits/s through further optimization, enabling ultra-high-speed optical communications.

Contribution

It demonstrates high-yield fabrication of large-area graphene modulators with high performance, addressing challenges in device uniformity and paving the way for ultra-high data rate applications.

Findings

94% device yield at 7 Gbits/s with BER below FEC limit

Total aggregated data rate of 210 Gbits/s achieved

Simulations suggest >0.6 Tbits/s possible with optimization

Abstract

To date, no electro-optic platform enables devices with high bandwidth, small footprint, and low power consumption, while also enabling mass production. Here we demonstrate high-yield fabrication of high-speed graphene electro-absorption modulators using CVD-grown graphene. We minimize variation in device performance from graphene inhomogeneity over large area by engineering graphene-mode overlap and device capacitance to ensure high extinction ratio. We fabricate an 8 mm x 1 mm chip with 32 graphene electro-absorption modulators and measure 94% yield with bit error rate below the hard-decision forward error correction limit at 7 Gbits/s, amounting to a total aggregated data rate of 210 Gbits/s. Monte Carlo simulations show that data rates > 0.6 Tbits/s are within reach by further optimizing device cross-section, paving the way for graphene-based ultra-high data rate applications.