Optical Properties of Graphene Nanoplatelets on Amorphous Germanium Substrates

Abstract

In this work, the integration of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) with amorphous germanium (Ge) substrates is explored. The optical properties were characterized using Variable-Angle Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (VASE). The findings of this study reveal a strong interaction between GNPs and amorphous germanium, indicated by a significant optical absorption. This interaction suggests a change in the electronic structure of the GNPs, implying that amorphous germanium could enhance their effectiveness in devices such as optical sensors, photodetectors, and solar cells. Herein, the use of amorphous germanium as a substrate for GNPs, which notably increases their refractive index and extinction coefficient, is introduced for the first time. By exploring this unique material combination, this study provides new insights into the interaction between GNPs and amorphous substrates, paving the way for the develop of high-performance, scalable optoelectronic devices with enhanced efficiency.

Keywords

• thin films
• graphene
• germanium
• ellipsometry
• optical properties