Terahertz OPtoelectronics in BiLayer Graphene

Project Information

TOP-BLG

Grant agreement ID: 101078192

DOI

10.3030/101078192

EC signature date 29 November 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2027

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 2 337 500,00

EU contribution

€ 2 337 500,00

Coordinated by

TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
Israel

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TOP-BLG (Terahertz OPtoelectronics in BiLayer Graphene)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The discovery of new materials and physical phenomena often leads to important technological advances. This is true for Terahertz (THz) optoelectronics, which operates in a frequency range between ~0.1-10 THz. This range is useful for identifying chemicals and biological substances, studying the universe's origins, and detecting things without causing harm to materials. These qualities make THz radiation valuable for many areas, like food manufacturing, detecting hazards, medicine, security, wireless communication, and exploring the origins of life. However, despite its potential, THz technology is still limited by materials’ response in this spectral range, which makes it difficult to create affordable, high-performance devices.
Recent advances in 2D materials might provide a solution for better THz devices. By utilizing the remarkable THz properties of Bilayer Graphene, we aim to significantly increase the performance of THz optoelectronic devices at elevated working temperatures. A key feature in the project is to integrate the devices into a compact, low-cost spectroscopy system, which would revolutionize THz instruments.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

On the theoretical aspect, we have developed new simulations tools to assess the optical response of our graphene systems. By using these tools we were able to simulate the interaction of our system with electromagnetic radiation and found it to be very strong.
On the experimental aspect, we have designed and built a unique experimental system that can accommodate the requirements of the project. The system is one of its kind and is novel in its methodology – it enables to do broadband spectroscopy at long wavelengths, in samples that are smaller or comparable to the wavelength.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Currently not applicable.