Communications of the ACM
Black Phosphorus Is New 'wonder Material' For Improving Optical Communication
Researchers at the University of Michigan have demonstrated high-speed data communication on nanoscale optical circuits using a 20-atom-thick film of black phosphorus.
Credit: College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota researchers have demonstrated high-speed data communication on nanoscale optical circuits using a 20-atom-thick film of black phosphorus.
Black phosphorus has unique properties that help it direct light very effectively, making it desirable for optical communications.
The researchers created intricate optical circuits in silicon and then laid thin flakes of black phosphorus over these structures. "Because these materials are two-dimensional, it makes perfect sense to place them on chips with flat optical integrated circuits to allow maximal interaction with light and optimally utilize their novel properties," says Minnesota professor Mo Li.
The researchers showed the performance of the black phosphorus photodetectors rivals that of comparable devices made of germanium, and the new devices could be used to send optical data over fibers at speeds of up to 3 billion bits per second.
Black phosphorus also has a widely-tunable band gap that varies depending on how many layers are stacked together, meaning the material can be tuned to absorb light in the visible range as well as in the infrared. "It is really exciting to think of a single material that can be used to send and receive data optically and is not limited to a specific substrate or wavelength," says Minnesota researcher Nathan Youngblood.
From University of Minnesota News
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