Few-Layer Graphene Heater Enabled High-Precision Phase-Change Photonic Devices

Abstract

Abstract Photonic computing overcomes the power and interconnect bottlenecks of conventional electronics through its high bandwidth, low latency, and parallel processing capability, making it ideal for next-generation AI and data-intensive applications. However, current photonic computing devices still face challenges in modulation efficiency, precision, and state retention. Here, we demonstrate a few-layer graphene (FLG) heater enabled high precision nonvolatile photonic device based on Sb2Se3 phase-change material. By investigating the modulation mechanism of the FLG heater, we achieve precise control over the phase-change photonic device. Combined with a strip-segmented device structure, 101 highly uniform and distinct optical states are realized. Benefiting from the more efficient modulation of phase-change photonic devices by the FLG heater, a total phase shift of 4.5π is achieved over a 30 μm length of Sb2Se3, corresponding to a phase modulation efficiency of 0.15π/μm. This work provides a feasible solution to achieve high precision and high phase modulation efficiency in photonic devices, lays a foundation for more accurate and highly integrated photonic computing systems.