Single graphene device modulates both intensity and polarization of terahertz radiation

March 7, 2017
It could be very useful for distinguishing left-handed from right-handed biological molecules.

Terahertz radiation has high potential for both imaging and communications; any photonic devices that can be developed for better control of terahertz light will be greatly appreciated, and undoubtedly designed into practical systems. Along these lines, researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), working with the Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich (ETHZ) and two Spanish research teams, have developed a technique, based on the use of graphene, that can potentially very quickly control both the intensity and the polarization of terahertz light.

Working within the framework of the European project Graphene Flagship, the scientists have made a graphene-based transistor adapted to terahertz waves. "By combining the electrical field, which enables us to control the number of electrons in graphene and thus allows more or less light to pass through, with the magnetic field, which bends the electronic orbits, we have been able to control not just the intensity of the terahertz waves, but also their polarization," says Jean-Marie Poumirol, a member of the UNIGE research team and the first author of the study. "It is rare that purely electrical effects are used to control magnetic phenomena."

The UNIGE research team's focus is now to move on from the prototype and develop practical applications and new opportunities through the control of terahertz radiation. Their objective is to make terahertz waves industrially competitive in the next few years. There are two main areas of application for this innovation, the first being communications. "Using a film of graphene associated with terahertz waves, we should be potentially able to send fully-secured information at speeds of about 10 to 100 times faster than with Wi-Fi or radio waves, and do it securely over short distances," says Poumirol.

Uses in bioscience, biomedical, and pharma

The second area of application is that of imaging. Being non-ionizing, terahertz waves do not alter DNA (as do x-rays) and therefore are very useful in medicine, biology, and pharma. Additionally, control of the circular polarization of the terahertz waves will allow a distinction between different symmetries (left-handed or right-handed) of biological molecules, which is a very important property in medical applications. Terahertz imaging is also important in homeland security.

Source: http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/physics-astronomy/towards-mastering-terahertz-waves.html

About the Author

John Wallace | Senior Technical Editor (1998-2022)

John Wallace was with Laser Focus World for nearly 25 years, retiring in late June 2022. He obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and physics at Rutgers University and a master's in optical engineering at the University of Rochester. Before becoming an editor, John worked as an engineer at RCA, Exxon, Eastman Kodak, and GCA Corporation.

Sponsored Recommendations

March 31, 2025
Enhance your remote sensing capabilities with Chroma's precision-engineered optical filters, designed for applications such as environmental monitoring, geospatial mapping, and...
March 31, 2025
Designed for compatibility with a wide range of systems, Chroma's UV filters are engineered to feature high transmission, superior out-of-band blocking, steep edge transitions...
March 31, 2025
Discover strategies to balance component performance and system design, reducing development time and costs while maximizing efficiency.
March 31, 2025
Explore the essential role of optical filters in enhancing Raman spectroscopy measurements including the various filter types and their applications in improving signal-to-noise...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!