CVD Graphene and Saturable Absorbers

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/4m90dw054

Abstract

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice, has attracted attention in recent years due to its unique electronic, mechanical, and optical properties. Being one atom layer thick, it is the closest material to a two dimensional lattice. It was initially discovered by peeling scotch tape oﬀ of graphite, but since has been produced by an alternative method called Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). This paper explains the process, physics, and results of growing graphene via CVD. Among many other applications, graphene has unique optical properties that occur due to its electronic band structure. These optical properties imply the potential of using graphene as a mirror to convert continuous wave lasers into pulsed lasers. This paper includes an in-depth analysis of saturable absorbers and the eﬀectiveness of using CVD graphene for saturable absorber mirrors.

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