Integrating 2D Materials with Planar Optical Cavities

• Grant number: 23/05173-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: April 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Thiago Pedro Mayer Alegre
• Grantee: Lucas Gouveia Woiblet
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/15580-6 - Optomechanical cavities towards single photon strong coupling, AP.JP2

Abstract

This undergraduate project aims to comprehensively understand Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZIs) and their widespread applications in optical communication and sensing, using both fiber-based and integrated photonics platforms. The project objectives include investigating guided optical modes, cavity/waveguide coupling, and designing and characterizing a fiber-based MZI's FSR, frequency, and phase stability.MZIs are widely used in optical communication and sensing applications, including interferometric sensors, spectroscopy, and optical switches. Furthermore, MZIs are becoming increasingly popular as sensors coupled to 2D materials, such as graphene and transition metals, due to their high sensitivity and accuracy.To enhance the robustness of the MZI for sensing applications, the project will lead to designing an integrated waveguide-based MZI. This involves simulating, designing, fabricating, and testing feasible micro-fabricated waveguides. The outcomes of this project will offer practical approaches to designing and fabricating robust MZIs using fiber-based and integrated waveguides, which have vast applications in optical communication and sensing.