Abstract: Techniques for coupling light into graphene using a planar photonic crystal having a resonant cavity characterized by a mode volume and a quality factor and at least one graphene layer positioned in proximity to the planar photonic crystal to at least partially overlap with an evanescent field of the resonant cavity. At least one mode of the resonant cavity can couple into the graphene layer via evanescent coupling. The optical properties of the graphene layer can be controlled, and characteristics of the graphene-cavity system can be detected. Coupling light into graphene can include electro-optic modulation of light, photodetection, saturable absorption, bistability, and autocorrelation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for suspended polymer photonic crystal (SPPC) cavities and waveguides are disclosed. In one aspect, photonic crystal cavities are provided. An exemplary photonic crystal cavity can include a substrate having a trench. A polymer film can be suspended above the trench thereby forming a gap between the polymer film and the substrate. The polymer film can include a plurality of holes to thereby form at least one optical cavity. The plurality of holes can have a lattice spacing, and each hole can have a radius. The radius and lattice spacing of the plurality of holes can be adapted to increase a gap-midgap ratio. In another aspect, photonic waveguides are provided. In another, methods for fabricating an SPPC are provided. In another, methods for sensing using a polymer photonic crystal ladder cavity are disclosed. In another, methods for optical filtering using an SPPC waveguide-coupled cavity drop filter are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for coupling light into graphene using a planar photonic crystal having a resonant cavity characterized by a mode volume and a quality factor and at least one graphene layer positioned in proximity to the planar photonic crystal to at least partially overlap with an evanescent field of the resonant cavity. At least one mode of the resonant cavity can couple into the graphene layer via evanescent coupling. The optical properties of the graphene layer can be controlled, and characteristics of the graphene-cavity system can be detected. Coupling light into graphene can include electro-optic modulation of light, photodetection, saturable absorption, bistability, and autocorrelation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for graphene photodetectors are disclosed herein. A device for detecting photons can include a waveguide and at least one graphene layer disposed proximate to the waveguide. An insulating layer can be disposed between the waveguide and the graphene layer. A first electrode can be connected to a first end of the graphene layer, and a second electrode can be connected to a second end of the graphene layer opposite the first end.