Study shows: 2D materials rotate light polarisation
German-Indian research team achieves further step towards miniaturised optical isolators / For on-chip integration of optical computer technologies
It has been known for centuries that light exhibits wave-like behaviour in certain situations. Some materials are able to rotate the polarisation, i.e. the direction of oscillation, of the light wave when the light passes through the material. This property is utilised in a central component of optical communication networks known as an "optical isolator" or "optical diode". This component allows light to propagate in one direction but blocks all light in the other direction. In a recent study, German and Indian physicists have shown that ultra-thin two-dimensional materials such as tungsten diselenide can rotate the polarisation of visible light by several degrees at certain wavelengths under small magnetic fields suitable for use on chips. The scientists from the University of Münster and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Pune, India, have published their findings in the journal Nature Communications.