Acousto-optic transducer, array and method

Abstract

An acousto-optic transducer comprises a graphene resonator, a substrate, an entry window and an exit window. The graphene resonator bears at least one donor molecule. The substrate bears at least one acceptor molecule. The graphene resonator is responsive to sound to bring the at least one donor molecule within range of the at least one acceptor molecule for Förster resonance energy transfer from the at least one donor molecule to the at least one acceptor molecule to take place. The entry window is arranged to permit incoming light to fall on the at least one donor molecule. The exit window is arranged to allow light emitted by the at least one acceptor molecule to leave the acousto-optic transducer. Thus, the acousto-optic transducer can function as a passive device using only energy derived from ambient light to convert sound into light.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.