Graphene-on-Si Waveguides for Efficient Mode Filtering in Mode Division Multiplexing Optical Systems

The burgeoning demand for high-speed data transmission has spurred the development of mode division multiplexing (MDM) optical systems. However, the propagation of spurious modes remains a significant obstacle in achieving high-quality data transmission. To address this challenge, Xing et al. implemented graphene-on-Si waveguides as mode filters, demonstrating their efficacy in suppressing spurious mode propagation.

By strategically tailoring and deploying graphene segments on the waveguide surface, the researchers achieved differential absorption of the TE0 (stop) and TE1 (pass) modes. This selective absorption property effectively filters out unwanted spurious modes, leading to a notable improvement in data transmission quality. The resulting mode filter exhibited exceptional performance characteristics, including high selection ratios, large bandwidth, and low insertion losses. These attributes solidify its effectiveness as a solution for stop-mode filtering in MDM optical systems.

The implementation of graphene films has proven instrumental in advancing the development of MDM optical systems, effectively meeting the escalating bandwidth demands of modern communication technologies. This research highlights the potential of graphene as a promising material for realizing high-performance optical components, enabling further progress in the field of optical communications.