Integrated Waveguide Optical Isolators

A waveguide optical isolator is proposed based on ultrahigh Verdet constant s. Prelminary measurements on these materials indicate Verdet constants with magnitudes ranging from that of YIG to that of BIG. Verdet constant measurements and waveguide loss measurements on the magneto-optic polymers will be performed to confirm feasibility for both high isolation (>30 dB) and low loss (<3 dB) operation. Excellent transparency at 1550nm is evident from thin film UV-VIS measurements. Both Faraday rotation and non-reciprocal Mach-Zehnder designs will be explored with both BPM and mode solver software. These designs will take advantage of photopatternable sol-gel cladding technology that allows for low loss coupling to optical fiber (< 0.5 dB per interface), refractive index tuning to eliminate waveguide birefringence, and increased photostability for high power applications. Wafer manufacturing economic analyses will be performed and a waveguide Faraday rotator demo will be prepared to demonstrate feasibility prior to Phase II.