Tuning the optical nonlinearity of graphene

Tuning of nonlinear optical responses is the essence to many photonics and optoelectronics applications. Due to the low-dimensionality and dispersion of massless Dirac Fermions, the nonlinear optical susceptibilities of graphene can be readily controlled via electrical gating. Based on the quantum interference between multi-photon transition pathways, the tuning mechanism of graphene nonlinearity is intrinsically different from most other systems. The phenomenon enables investigations into some nonlinear optical processes from fundamental regards. It also exhibits appealing features contrasting conventional materials, which can be desirable for novel device applications.