Carbon nanotube and graphene photonic devices: Nonlinearity enhancement and novel preparation approaches

Abstract

With their nano-scaled dimensions and extremely elevated optical nonlinearity, carbon nanostructures including single-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene have played a critical role in generating ultrafast optical pulses. The pulsation relies on passive mode-locking of the nanostructures, and has been enhanced by employing an evanescent field interaction scheme that guarantees the all-fiber high-power operation. Preparation schemes for pulsating devices have been evolving via the development of elegant processes such as optical deposition, electrospray, and aerosol deposition of carbon nanostructures, ensuring the dramatic increase of process efficiency. In this chapter, details of the technical achievements are addressed. ？ 2013 Woodhead Publishing Limited All rights reserved.