Low-power infrared-tunable all-optical intensity modulator based on micro-nano fiber integrated with 3C-SiC nanowires

In this paper, we present a rapidly responsive and highly modulated all-optical intensity modulator integrated with 3C-SiC nanowires and micro-nano fibers. The 3C-SiC nanowires were bonded to the surface of micro-nano fibers that had a diameter of around 2 µm. A tunable laser with a center wavelength of 1550 nm was used as the signal source, and the signal light, along with the 980 nm pump light, was coupled into the micro-nano fiber. Strong waveguide coupling between the micro-nano fiber and 3C-SiC nanowires facilitated modulation of the signal light by the pump light. The experimental results demonstrated a modulation depth of up to 5 dB for the signal light, with a modulation efficiency of 0.19 dB/mW. The rise time and fall time of the modulation were measured as 6.6 and 19.7 ms, respectively. This study shows the exceptional performance of 3C-SiC nanowires in all-optical modulation devices. Furthermore, the structure offers advantages such as simple fabrication, fast response speed, and compatibility with optical fiber systems, thus holding great potential for widespread application in various optical modulation devices and optical communication systems.