Graphene-assisted metamaterial absorber for refractive index sensor at lower optical frequencies

Abstract Numerical studies on a graphene-assisted metamaterial absorber operating at lower optical frequencies are presented. The metamaterial absorber comprises one-dimensional gold grating with a gold disk array in grooves on a monolayer graphene supported by a glass substrate. Numerical simulations are conducted using Computer Simulation Technology Microwave Studio to investigate the underlying absorption mechanisms in the system. The absorber shows a very sharp absorption band with almost unity absorptance and nearly 20 nm full width at half maximum at a wavelength of 766 nm. The simulated absorption spectrum of the absorber is theoretically validated using coupled mode theory, showing close agreement with the theoretical predictions. The absorption occurs due to the simultaneous excitation of localized and propagating surface plasmons under the transverse electric mode (where the electric field is aligned parallel to the length of the grating ridge) excitation in the system. The sensing performance of the absorber has been evaluated, demonstrating a sensitivity as high as 667 nm/RIU. Due to the robustness of the design, this absorber can be used to sense biological, chemical, gaseous, and even acidic samples since it is not comprised of any photoresist. The absorber holds potential for diverse applications, including graphene-based devices, narrowband filters, thermal emitters, solar cells, imaging apparatus, etc.