A new type of graphene amplifier could offer researchers a unique way to access the electromagnetic spectrum. Engineers from Loughborough University have designed an optical transistor out of graphene and a high-temperature superconductor that can amplify terahertz frequencies, and could unlock a whole new field of potential technologies.
Terahertz waves (THz) have long fascinated scientists, but unfortunately, their use has been limited by their weak signals. Without an added boost of power, the wavelengths have been too weak for researchers to harness their potential power — until now, that is.
The amplifier is deceptively simple, made up of two layers of graphene and the superconductor. The structure allows for graphene massless electrons to be caught between the layers; then, a power source is connected to the amplifier. As the THz waves move through the graphene to its out layers, the particles trapped within the graphene latch on to the outgoing waves of radiation, providing the waves with an added boost of power.
“The main point is that there will be more light reflected than fell on the device. It works because external energy is supplied by a battery or by light that hits the surface from other higher frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. The THz photons are transformed by the graphene into massless electrons, which, in turn, are transformed back into reflected, energized, THz photons. Due to such a transformation the THz photons take energy from the graphene – or from the battery – and the weak THz signals are amplified.”
Professor Fedor Kusmartsev, of Loughborough’s Department of Physics
The team behind this innovation believes the new technology could have a profound impact on numerous fields, particularly those relating to health. Researchers are investigating whether these waves could be used to create a safer and less harmful alternative to X-rays, as well as their potential to more fully map out the human brain.
Engineers are continuing to work on the project, and are optimistic that they will have a test-ready prototype soon. Should all go smoothly, we could potentially see the commercialization of this technology in roughly a year’s time.
