Columbia Technology Ventures

Graphene-based optical modulator for low-power, high-sensitivity cryogenic data transmission

This technology is a cryogenic optoelectronic data link that uses graphene modulators to transmit low-voltage signals with high sensitivity, enabling efficient data transmission between cryogenic systems and room-temperature devices.

Unmet Need: High-sensitivity solutions for communication between cryogenic and room-temperature systems

Recent cryogenic electronic technologies, such as quantum computing and superconducting circuits, require high-sensitivity solutions for low-power data communication with conventional room-temperature electronics. Current electrical transmission lines and amplifiers generate excessive heat and power, disrupting cryogenic conditions. Optical fibers offer a potential solution but need modulators that function efficiently at low temperatures without high input voltages. Existing semiconductor-based modulators underperform in these environments, highlighting the need for more efficient data link systems.

The Technology: Graphene-based modulator enabling low-power, high-sensitivity data transmission from cryogenic systems

This technology is a graphene-based optical modulator that converts low-voltage electrical signals (<1 mV) from cryogenic systems into optical signals (100 μm to 32 nm) for transmission to room-temperature electronics. The modulator uses a single graphene sheet whose optical properties are tuned by low-voltage input. With its zero-gap structure, high electron mobility, and strong broadband optical absorption, graphene enables highly sensitive, low-power optoelectronic devices for data transmission between cryogenic and room-temperature systems.

Applications:

  • Data conversion
  • Quantum computing
  • Radio communication
  • Sensitive imaging array
  • Superconducting circuits

Advantages:

  • Broadband optical compatibility
  • Compact size
  • High sensitivity
  • Low power consumption
  • Cryogenic temperature compatibility

Lead Inventor:

Keren Bergman, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Issued (US 12,009,869)

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: