Information Technology
Making Telecommunications More Affordable
WARF: P220202US01
Inventors: Victor Brar, Seyoon Kim
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a new device for controlling optical signals in telecommunication transmissions. The device requires less voltage than current modulators and can be made using much more affordable materials.
Overview
Currently, the modulation of light used in telecom transmissions requires costly and relatively large electro-optic modulators (EOMs). These devices operate at high voltages and require special care to track and adjust their power. Made with expensive non-linear crystals, EOMs are only compatible in a fiber optic geometry, and they do not manage reflection, only transmission.
The Invention
UW-Madison researchers have developed a new method for controlling the intensity of monochromatic light using electric signals. The team created a tunable dielectric resonator that uses graphene and an electrostatic gate to modulate absorption rates at the qBIC resonant frequency. Strongly gated graphene results in near perfect reflectivity at telecom frequencies. Ungated, it becomes highly transmissive with zero reflection. This results in a compact device that operates at very high speeds.
Applications
- Modulates the phase and intensity of light in fiber optic networks
- Design enables use in freespace communications and LiDAR technology
Key Benefits
- Does not require high voltages to operate
- Can be produced using graphene, making it much more affordable than EOMs to manufacture
- Acts as a low-profile optical switch that can be modulated at incredibly fast speeds
- Can expand to frequency ranges beyond telecom frequency, including mid-infrared range
Stage of Development
The researchers’ proposed modulation strategy showed that near perfect light modulation in both transmission and reflection is simultaneously achievable and not limited by the graphene quality.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Michael Carey at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9867