Magnetless Optical Circulator Based on an Iron Garnet with Reduced Magnetization Saturation

Author(s)

Portela, Gianni ^[1] ; Levy, Miguel ^[2] ; Hernandez-Figueroa, Hugo E. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Sch Elect & Comp Engn, BR-13083852 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Michigan Technol Univ, Phys Dept, Houghton, MI 49931 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Molecules; v. 26, n. 15 AUG 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

A three-port circulator for optical communication systems comprising a photonic crystal slab made of a magneto-optical material in which an magnetizing element is not required to keep its magnetic domains aligned is suggested for the first time. By maximizing the incorporation of europium to its molecular formula, the magneto-optical material can remain in the saturated magnetic state even in the absence of an external DC magnetic field. Two- and three-dimensional simulations of the device performed with full-wave electromagnetic solvers based on the finite element method demonstrate that, at the 1550 nm wavelength, the insertion loss, isolation, and reflection levels are equal to or better than -1 dB, -14 dB, and -20 dB, respectively. Since its operation does not require an electromagnet or a permanent magnet, the suggested circulator is much more compact, being able to reach footprints in the range of three orders of magnitude smaller, when compared to other circulator designs referred to in the literature and the presented results can be useful for the design of other nonreciprocal devices with reduced dimensions for optical communication systems. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/24517-8 - Photonics for next generation internet
• Grantee: Hugo Enrique Hernández Figueroa
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/13667-0 - Optical circulators based on iron garnets without external magnetization
• Grantee: Gianni Masaki Tanaka Portela
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral