Ultra-compact modulator based on Epsilon-Near-Zero metamaterial

Abstract

We present an ultra-compact modulator with a length of 15 nm by utilizing the squeezing and tunneling ability of the Epsilon-Near-Zero metamaterial. The finite-different time-domain simulations show the insertion loss is roughly -0.27 dB while the 3-dB extinction ratio is obtained with a 0.8 V gate voltage. The device's footprint is as small as 0.01 μm2. This modulator consumes low power and can potentially be ultrafast.