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NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop technology that manipulates light with precision, minimal loss

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop technology that manipulates light with precision, minimal loss
23 Apr 2024 14:30

ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

A group of researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Photonics Research Lab (PRL) developed a new, two-dimensional (2D) material able to manipulate light with exceptional precision and minimal loss.

This came in response to the increasing demand for efficient, tunable optical materials (TOMs) capable of precise light modulation in order to create greater bandwidth in communication networks and advanced optical systems,

TOMs are revolutionising modern optoelectronics, electronic devices that detect, generate and control light.

Notably, in integrated photonics circuits, precise control over the optical properties of materials is crucial for unlocking groundbreaking and diverse applications in light manipulation.

2D materials like Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) and graphene exhibit remarkable optical responses to external stimuli.

However, achieving distinctive modulation across a short-wave infrared (SWIR) region while maintaining precise phase control at low signal loss within a compact footprint has been a persistent challenge.

The team, led by Research Scientist Ghada Dushaq, and Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Director of PRL Lab Mahmoud Rasras, demonstrated a novel avenue for active light manipulation through the utilisation of ferroionic, 2D material CuCrP2S6 (CCPS).

This was included in a recent paper titled “Electro-Optic Tuning in Composite Silicon Photonics Based on Ferroionic 2D Materials” published in Nature Light Science & Application.

By integrating first-of-their-kind, 2D and atomically thin materials into minuscule ring structures on silicon chips, the team has enhanced the efficiency and compactness of the device.

When integrated onto silicon optical devices, these 2D materials exhibit a remarkable ability to finely tune the optical properties of the transmitted signal without any attenuation.

This technique has the potential to revolutionize environmental sensing, optical imaging, and neuromorphic computing, where light sensitivity is key.

Rasras explained, “This innovation offers precise control over the refractive index, while simultaneously minimizing optical losses, enhancing modulation efficiency, and reducing the footprint, rendering it suitable for next-generation optoelectronics.”

“There is an exciting range of potential applications, from phased arrays and optical switching to use in environmental sensing and metrology, optical imaging systems, and neuromorphic systems in light-sensitive artificial synapses,” he added.

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