The Rise of Graphene Photonic Crystal Fibers

2D graphene with tremendous novel properties is an ideal material for optical and optoelectronic applications. Meanwhile, photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) have been recognized as next-generation optical fibers that possess a designable porous structure, rich functions, and different working mechanisms. Recently, the integration of graphene with a PCF has formed a new hybrid fiber, a graphene photonic crystal fiber (Gr-PCF), which exhibits an extremely strong and tunable light-matter interaction across a broadband spectrum range and opens up a new interdisciplinary research direction. In this review, recent studies on, and achievements in graphene-traditional fibers and Gr-PCFs have been summarized from the aspects of the development process, preparation method, and device application. First, the graphene properties and the development and characteristics of PCFs are introduced. The discussion is continued with the existing fabrication technologies for hybrid graphene-traditional fibers. Next, the chemical vapor deposition method for Gr-PCFs is elaborated. Then, fiber devices based on graphene-traditional fibers, Gr-PCFs, and other 2D material fibers are presented. To conclude, challenges and perspectives are presented to encourage advanced Gr-PCF study.