1.5 and 2.0 µm all-optical modulators based on niobium-carbide (Nb2C)-PVA film. (9th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmad, H; Kamely, A A; Zaini, M K A; Samion, M Z; Zamzuri, A K; Thambiratnam, K
• Is Part Of: Laser physics letters. Volume 18:Number 8(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07-09
• Subjects: all-optical modulator -- niobium-carbides (Nb2C) -- thermo-optic effect; Lasers -- Periodicals; Physics -- Periodicals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1088/1612-202X/ac0e3c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1612-2011

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, a niobium carbide (Nb2 C) was proposed and demonstrated as an optical modulator for operation in the 1.5 and the 2.0 µ m wavelength region. The Nb2 C solution was first prepared using the liquid phase exfoliation technique, and then embedded into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer to form a thin film. Based on the thermo-optic effect exhibited by the Nb2 C-PVA film, successful modulations of the 1.5 and the 2.0 µ m signals were observed, where the signals could be modulated up to a frequency of 5 kHz. The modulators could also be employed in an all-optical signal processing system, in which information codes from the control light could be conveyed through both signals. The integration of the Nb2 C-PVA film into the all-optical modulation system shows the material efficiency to modulate the transmission light with high stability, showing significant potential of the device in an all-optical signal processing system.