Three-dimensional graphene photonic crystal

We perform finite element method (FEM) simulations on a three-dimensional, multi-layer graphene structure patterned by interferometric lithography. The structure shows periodicity and face centered cubic (fcc) symmetry and a lattice constant of 1.7 microns. Initial simulations predict a photonic bandgap centered on a wavelength of 2.5 microns for high dielectric contrast ($\varepsilon_{\mathrm{r\thinspace }}$\textgreater 16). Further simulations modeling graphene as a dispersive material find evidence of surface plasmon activity. We believe the structure shows promise as a 3-D photonic crystal with a tunable bandgap by utilizing the ability to modify the Fermi level and plasma frequency of the material. Such a device may have applications in quantum sensing. Current efforts on this topic focus on experimental verification of the bandgap as well as a deeper understanding of the interaction between electrical and photonic mechanisms within the structure.