Abstract

There is a persistent need for a compact optical isolator in optical packaging and integrated optical circuits. Current isolator technology is limited by the requirement for bulk magnets to induce Faraday rotation in YIG or Bi-YIG crystals. A thin-film magnet would allow a considerable reduction in size relative to current designs, and, more important, it would also open up the possibility for fully integrating optical isolators on a single wafer.

© 1993 Optical Society of America