High-quality Si3N4 circuits as a platform for graphene-based nanophotonic devices

  • Author:

    N. Gruhler, C. Benz, H. Jang, J.-H. Ahn, R. Danneau, and W.H.P. Pernice

  • Source:

    Optics Express 21, Issue 25, 31678-31689 (2013)

  • Abstract

    Hybrid circuits combining traditional nanophotonic components with carbon-based materials are emerging as a promising platform for optoelectronic devices. We demonstrate such circuits by integrating single-layer graphene films with silicon nitride waveguides as a new architecture for broadband optical operation. Using high-quality microring resonators and Mach-Zehnder interferometers with extinction ratios beyond 40 dB we realize flexible circuits for phase-sensitive detection on chip. Hybrid graphene-photonic devices are fabricated via mechanical transfer and lithographic structuring, allowing for prolonged light-matter interactions. Our approach holds promise for studying optical processes in low-dimensional physical systems and for realizing electrically tunable photonic circuits.