Abstract

Optical isolators are non-reciprocal devices that block light in one direction but allow light to pass in the opposite one. They are used in optical telecommunication technology to protect laser diodes against spurious back reflections which can disturb the laser operation. Fig. 1(a) shows the top view of a proposed isolating structure including a magnetoplasmonic TMOKE (Transverse Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect) based grating. The one-dimensional (1D) subwavelength periodic gold grating is realized on the side of a transversely magnetized magneto-optic dielectric BIG (Bismuth Iron Garnet) waveguide, all on top of a non-Magneto-Optical (MO) GGG (Gallium Gadolinium Garnet) substrate and buried in SiO₂ superstrate. In this configuration nonreciprocal transmission of the TE fundamental mode is obtained by applying a vertical static magnetic field (inducing vertical magnetization in BIG layer).

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