Graphene on an optical waveguide: comparison of simulation approaches

Abstract

Recently, unusual properties of novel two-dimensional materials like graphene have revolutionized many branches of science and technology. Adequate numerical simulations of photonic devices comprising graphene layers require new approaches or modified methods. In this paper we present comparison of results obtained with three representations of a graphene monolayer: (1) an infinitely thin sheet with a finite surface complex conductivity, (2) a thin layer of a finite thickness exhibiting uniaxially anisotropic complex permittivity, and (3) anisotropic permittivity perturbation in an infinitely small volume. Numerical solutions of rigorous dispersion equations were compared to each other and also with the results obtained with several commercial as well as proprietary software packets. Under proper conditions, all approaches provide comparable results.