Tunable light absorption of graphene using topological interface states

A tunable light absorption of graphene using topological interface states (TISs) is presented. The monolayer graphene is embedded in the interface of asymmetric topological photonic crystals (ATPCs). A strong absorption phenomenon occurs by the excitation of TISs. It is found that the absorption spectra are intensively dependent on the chemical potential of graphene and the periodic number of the ATPCs. Furthermore, the absorption can be rapidly switched in a slight variation of chemical potential, which is modulated by the applied gate voltage on graphene. This study not only opens up a new approach for enhancing light–monolayer graphene interactions, but also provides for practical applications in high absorption optoelectronic devices. This strong absorption phenomenon is different from those in Fabry–Perot resonators, nano-cavities photonic crystal, and traditional topological photonic crystals (TPCs).