Multilayer Graphene Microwave-to-Optical Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quantum microwave-to-optical conversion techniques require large microwave voltages, which increase noise and limit the effectiveness of the conversion process, and there is no effective method using voltages less than millivolts that also reduces noise for optimal conversion.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer graphene structure is used as a tunable modulator, where graphene layers are electronically connected and pumped by an optical field, allowing for low noise conversion by suppressing the lower sideband through destruction resonance, enabling efficient microwave-to-optical conversion with low driving voltages (1-10 microvolts) and a wide frequency range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If EO techniques are used for microwave-to-optical conversion, then wide operation bandwidth and tunability are achieved, but large microwave voltages (millivolts) are required which increase noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation bandwidthVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using a single-sideband (SSB) scheme with upper sideband only, operating at the upper frequency limit of the microwave band. This parameter change allows the system to achieve wide bandwidth operation while reducing the microwave voltage requirement from millivolts to microvolt level, thereby reducing noise generation during conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If single sideband (SSB) scheme is implemented to minimize noise, then noise is reduced, but large microwave voltages are still required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovenoiseVSAvoidmicrowave voltage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional EO modulation approach with a quantum-optical approach using a single-photon source and quantum interference effects. This substitution eliminates the need for large microwave voltages by using quantum mechanical effects to achieve the conversion, reducing the voltage requirement from millivolts to microvolt level while maintaining low noise performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If high Q-factor resonators are used to enhance EO techniques, then conversion efficiency is improved, but the tenability of the conversion process is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidtenability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the resonator-based EO enhancement approach with a quantum-optical system using a single-photon source and quantum interference. This substitution achieves high conversion efficiency without the tenability limitations of high Q-factor resonators, as the quantum interference mechanism does not require resonant structures that would limit operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If conventional EO techniques are used, then microwave-to-optical conversion is achieved, but the conversion process generates noise through lower sideband photons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion capabilityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful lower sideband component by implementing a single-sideband (SSB) scheme that operates only at the upper frequency limit. This extraction of the problematic lower sideband mode allows the system to maintain conversion capability while removing the noise-generating mechanism that arises from lower sideband photon conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The multilayer graphene structure achieves efficient microwave-to-optical conversion with improved signal-to-noise ratios and frequency-tunable operation over a vast range, reducing noise and increasing the number of photons generated from microwave signals while using lower voltages and reasonable optical pumping.

Implementation Method 1

the lower sideband is suppressed by the multilayer graphene destruction resonance which is a function of the graphene structure design

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDestruction resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

graphene layers (e.g., in a graphene structure) are electronically connected and pumped by an optical field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical pumping: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12092942B2Tunable quantum microwave to optical conversion system

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A electronic method, includes receiving, by a graphene structure, a microwave signal. The microwave signal has a driving voltage level. The electronic method includes generating, by the graphene structure, optical photons based on the microvolts. The electronic method includes outputting, by the graphene structure, the optical photons.