Abstract

This paper introduces a new type of magnetic-free optical circulator without utilizing a Faraday rotator, polarization beam splitter, and magneto-optic material for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The designed circulator operates linearly and relies on the parity–time symmetric (PTS) system. The property of the non-Hermitian system (the linear PTS system) plays the key role in the suggested optical circulator so that it can simultaneously support N-ports. The proposed device is integrated, broadband, and operates in the optical telecommunication frequency band. A great value of isolation rate of 47 dB is achieved. The proposed circulator can pave the way for optical integrated circuits and optical networks.

© 2019 Optical Society of America

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