Terahertz modulated optical sideband generation in graphene

Abstract

Exploration of optical non-linear response of graphene predominantly relies on ultra-short time domain measurements. Here we propose an alternate technique that uses frequency modulated continuous wavefront optical fields, thereby probing graphene's steady state non-linear response. We predict frequency sideband generation in the reflected field that originates from coherent electron dynamics of the photo-excited carriers. The corresponding threshold in input intensity for optimal sideband generation provides a direct measure of the third order optical non-linearity in graphene. Our formulation yields analytic forms for the generated sideband intensity, is applicable to generic two-band systems and suggests a range of applications that include switching of frequency sidebands using non-linear phase shifts and generation of frequency combs.