Room-Temperature Optical Detection at Telecom Wavelengths Using Integrated Black Phosphorus and Lithium Niobate on Insulator Waveguides

This work presents the first successful integration of layered black phosphorus (bP) photoconductors with Lithium Niobate on Insulator (LNOI) waveguides, enabling room-temperature detection of optical telecommunication wavelengths spanning from 1510 to 1640 nm. This achievement serves as a compelling proof-of-concept for the development of more intricate Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) components. The compact design of the bP detector offers potential for applications such as on-chip switching and inline detection for measuring light propagating through the waveguide. The latter application allows for direct characterization and stabilization of photonic components, including resonators and modulators, with high bandwidth without the necessity of a tap port for calibration. Furthermore, the broad spectral range of absorption and transparency offered by black phosphorus and lithium niobate, respectively, makes this integration suitable for applications extending beyond the telecommunication bands.