Coherent and Broadband Enhanced Optical Absorption in Graphene

We experimentally demonstrate a broadband enhancement of the light absorption in graphene over the whole visible spectrum. This enhanced absorption is obtained in a multilayer structure by using an Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) configuration and it is explained in terms of coherent absorption arising from interference and dissipation. The interference mechanism leading to the phenomenon of coherent absorption allows for its precise control by varying the refractive index and/or thickness of the medium surrounding the graphene.