Spatial self-phase modulation and all-optical switching of graphene oxide dispersions.

Abstract Few-layer graphene oxide (GO) dispersions is successfully synthesized using liquid-phase exfoliation. Nonlinear optical response of GO is investigated by the spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) experiments. The nonlinear refractive index and third-order nonlinear susceptibility of GO are measured as 3 n 2 ≈ 3.57 × 10 − 6 c m 2 / W and χ m o n o l a y e r (3) ≈ 6.05 × 10 − 10 (e.s.u.), respectively. Moreover, making use of cross-phase modulation, we designed an all-optical switching light path by our GO dispersions. This principle of the device is changing the intensity of controlling laser beam to modulate the propagation of the signal light. These interesting properties reveal a potential application of GO as a novel design of optical switching device, optical modulators, detectors, etc. Highlights • An all-optical switch device based on graphene oxide was proposed. • The nonlinear coefficient of GO can be measured by SSPM. • A strong laser beam can modulate weak laser beam based on the SXPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]