Ion-beam-milled graphite nanoribbons as mesoscopic carbon-based polarizers

We demonstrate optical reflectivity and Raman responses of graphite microstructures as a function of light polarization when the incident light is applied perpendicular to the material's stacking direction (c-axis). For this, we employed novel graphite nanoribbons with edges polished through ion-beam etching. In this unique configuration, a strong polarization dependence of the D, G, and 2D Raman modes is observed. At the same time, polarized reflectivity measurements demonstrate the potential of such a device as a carbon-based, on-chip polarizer. We discuss the advantages of the proposed fabrication method as opposed to the mechanical polishing of bulk crystals.

Automated summary

In this study, we investigated the polarization dependence of optical reflectivity and Raman responses of graphite microstructures when the incident light is perpendicular to the material's stacking direction. We used novel graphite nanoribbons with polished edges through ion-beam etching. The results showed a strong polarization dependence of the D, G, and 2D Raman modes, and polarized reflectivity measurements demonstrated the potential of this device as a carbon-based, on-chip polarizer. We also discussed the advantages of the proposed fabrication method compared to mechanical polishing of bulk crystals.