Graphene brings tuneable properties to terahertz devices

Researchers at Manchester University have found that graphene can be used to control the frequency of terahertz lasers, a development that may lead to safer alternatives to X-rays.

The benefit of using terahertz lasers instead of X-rays is that they can accurately scan materials without causing damage. Furthermore, by utilising the electrical properties of graphene, highly sensitive scanners for sensing minute defects in manufactured drugs, or detecting concealed weapons at airports could become more accurate and much safer for frequent use using the new technology.

The researchers, led by Dr Subhasish Chakraborty and Sir Kostya Novoselov, have reported their findings - Tuning THz lasers via graphene plasmons - in Science.

“Terahertz technologies have been somewhat ignored by industry, partly due to the complexity of creating high-power tuneable devices, as lots of different materials were necessary,” said Dr Chakraborty. “Graphene can now fill in the gaps of this technology by creating a platform to electronically control devices and flexibly engineer device output.”