Ashkan Vakil

Bio: Ashkan Vakil is an academic researcher from University of Pennsylvania. The author has contributed to research in topics: Metamaterial & Graphene. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 10 publications receiving 2548 citations.

Transformation Optics Using Graphene

Abstract: Metamaterials and transformation optics play substantial roles in various branches of optical science and engineering by providing schemes to tailor electromagnetic fields into desired spatial patterns. We report a theoretical study showing that by designing and manipulating spatially inhomogeneous, nonuniform conductivity patterns across a flake of graphene, one can have this material as a one-atom-thick platform for infrared metamaterials and transformation optical devices. Varying the graphene chemical potential by using static electric field yields a way to tune the graphene conductivity in the terahertz and infrared frequencies. Such degree of freedom provides the prospect of having different "patches" with different conductivities on a single flake of graphene. Numerous photonic functions and metamaterial concepts can be expected to follow from such a platform.

Fourier Optics on Graphene

Abstract: Using numerical simulations, here, we demonstrate that a single sheet of graphene with properly designed inhomogeneous, nonuniform conductivity distributions can act as a convex lens for focusing and collimating the transverse-magnetic (TM) surface plasmon polariton (SPP) surface waves propagating along the graphene. Consequently, we show that the graphene can act as a platform for obtaining spatial Fourier transform of infrared (IR) SPP signals. This may lead to rebirth of the field of Fourier optics on a 1-atom-thick structure.

Transformation optics using graphene: One-atom-thick optical devices based on graphene

Abstract: Metamaterials and transformation optics have received considerable attention in the recent years, as they have found an immense role in many areas of optical science and engineering by offering schemes to control electromagnetic fields. Another area of science that has been under the spotlight for the last few years relates to exploration of graphene, which is formed of carbon atoms densely packed into a honey-comb lattice. This material exhibits unconventional electronic and optical properties, intriguing many research groups across the world including us. But our interest is mostly in studying interaction of electromagnetic waves with graphene and applications that might follow. Our group as well as few others pioneered investigating prospect of graphene for plasmonic devices and in particular plasmonic metamaterial structures and transformation optical devices. In this thesis, relying on theoretical models and numerical simulations, we show that by designing and manipulating spatially inhomogeneous, nonuniform conductivity patterns across a flake of graphene, one can have this material as a one-atom-thick platform for infrared metamaterials and transformation optical devices. Varying the graphene chemical potential by using static electric field allows for tuning the graphene conductivity in the terahertz and infrared frequencies. Such design flexibility can be exploited to create "patches" with differing conductivities within a single flake of graphene. Numerous photonic functions and metamaterial concepts are expected to follow from such platform. This work presents several numerical examples demonstrating these functions. Our findings show that it is possible to design one-atom-thick variant of several optical elements analogous to those in classic optics. Here we theoretically study one-atom-thick metamaterials, one-atom-thick waveguide elements, cavities, mirrors, lenses, Fourier optics and finally a few case studies illustrating transformation optics on a single sheet of graphene in mid-infrared wavelengths.

Nonlinear Control of Tunneling Through an Epsilon-Near-Zero Channel

Abstract: The epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) tunneling phenomenon allows full transmission of waves through a narrow channel even in the presence of a strong geometric mismatch. Here we experimentally demonstrate nonlinear control of the ENZ tunneling by an external field, as well as self-modulation of the transmission resonance due to the incident wave. Using a waveguide section near cut-off frequency as the ENZ system, we introduce a diode with tunable and nonlinear capacitance to demonstrate both these effects. Our results confirm earlier theoretical ideas on using an ENZ channel for dielectric sensing and their potential applications for tunable slow-light structures.

Electric Levitation Using ϵ -Near-Zero Metamaterials

Abstract: The ability to manufacture metamaterials with exotic electromagnetic properties has potential for surprising new applications. Here we report how a specific type of metamaterial---one whose permittivity is near zero---exerts a repulsive force on an electric dipole source, resulting in levitation of the dipole. The phenomenon relies on the expulsion of the time-varying electric field from the metamaterial interior, resembling the perfect diamagnetic expulsion of magnetostatic fields. Leveraging this concept, we study some realistic requirements for the levitation or repulsion of a polarized particle radiating at any frequency, from microwave to optics.

Flat Optics With Designer Metasurfaces

Abstract: Metamaterials are artificially fabricated materials that allow for the control of light and acoustic waves in a manner that is not possible in nature. This Review covers the recent developments in the study of so-called metasurfaces, which offer the possibility of controlling light with ultrathin, planar optical components. Conventional optical components such as lenses, waveplates and holograms rely on light propagation over distances much larger than the wavelength to shape wavefronts. In this way substantial changes of the amplitude, phase or polarization of light waves are gradually accumulated along the optical path. This Review focuses on recent developments on flat, ultrathin optical components dubbed 'metasurfaces' that produce abrupt changes over the scale of the free-space wavelength in the phase, amplitude and/or polarization of a light beam. Metasurfaces are generally created by assembling arrays of miniature, anisotropic light scatterers (that is, resonators such as optical antennas). The spacing between antennas and their dimensions are much smaller than the wavelength. As a result the metasurfaces, on account of Huygens principle, are able to mould optical wavefronts into arbitrary shapes with subwavelength resolution by introducing spatial variations in the optical response of the light scatterers. Such gradient metasurfaces go beyond the well-established technology of frequency selective surfaces made of periodic structures and are extending to new spectral regions the functionalities of conventional microwave and millimetre-wave transmit-arrays and reflect-arrays. Metasurfaces can also be created by using ultrathin films of materials with large optical losses. By using the controllable abrupt phase shifts associated with reflection or transmission of light waves at the interface between lossy materials, such metasurfaces operate like optically thin cavities that strongly modify the light spectrum. Technology opportunities in various spectral regions and their potential advantages in replacing existing optical components are discussed.

Graphene plasmonics for tunable terahertz metamaterials

Abstract: Plasmons describe collective oscillations of electrons. They have a fundamental role in the dynamic responses of electron systems and form the basis of research into optical metamaterials 1–3 . Plasmons of two-dimensional massless electrons, as present in graphene, show unusual behaviour 4–7 that enables new tunable plasmonic metamaterials 8–10 and, potentially, optoelectronic applications in the terahertz frequency range 8,9,11,12 .H ere we explore plasmon excitations in engineered graphene microribbon arrays. We demonstrate that graphene plasmon resonances can be tuned over a broad terahertz frequency range by changing micro-ribbon width and in situ electrostatic doping. The ribbon width and carrier doping dependences of graphene plasmon frequency demonstrate power-law behaviour characteristic of two-dimensional massless Dirac electrons 4–6 . The plasmon resonances have remarkably large oscillator strengths, resulting

Science and technology roadmap for graphene, related two-dimensional crystals, and hybrid systems

Abstract: We present the science and technology roadmap for graphene, related two-dimensional crystals, and hybrid systems, targeting an evolution in technology, that might lead to impacts and benefits reaching into most areas of society. This roadmap was developed within the framework of the European Graphene Flagship and outlines the main targets and research areas as best understood at the start of this ambitious project. We provide an overview of the key aspects of graphene and related materials (GRMs), ranging from fundamental research challenges to a variety of applications in a large number of sectors, highlighting the steps necessary to take GRMs from a state of raw potential to a point where they might revolutionize multiple industries. We also define an extensive list of acronyms in an effort to standardize the nomenclature in this emerging field.

Graphene plasmonics

Abstract: Two rich and vibrant fields of investigation, graphene physics and plasmonics, strongly overlap Not only does graphene possess intrinsic plasmons that are tunable and adjustable, but a combination of graphene with noble-metal nanostructures promises a variety of exciting applications for conventional plasmonics The versatility of graphene means that graphene-based plasmonics may enable the manufacture of novel optical devices working in different frequency ranges, from terahertz to the visible, with extremely high speed, low driving voltage, low power consumption and compact sizes Here we review the field emerging at the intersection of graphene physics and plasmonics

Graphene Plasmonics: A Platform for Strong Light-Matter Interactions

Abstract: Graphene plasmons provide a suitable alternative to noble-metal plasmons because they exhibit much tighter confinement and relatively long propagation distances, with the advantage of being highly tunable via electrostatic gating. Here, we propose to use graphene plasmons as a platform for strongly enhanced light–matter interactions. Specifically, we predict unprecedented high decay rates of quantum emitters in the proximity of a carbon sheet, observable vacuum Rabi splittings, and extinction cross sections exceeding the geometrical area in graphene nanoribbons and nanodisks. Our theoretical results provide the basis for the emerging and potentially far-reaching field of graphene plasmonics, offering an ideal platform for cavity quantum electrodynamics, and supporting the possibility of single-molecule, single-plasmon devices.