The on-chip integration of magnetooptic waveguide isolators

The miniaturization of optical isolators and their on-chip integration with various optoelectronic devices has been pursued for a number of years. However, reducing the standard paradigmatic construction used in commercial isolators to waveguide form requires stringent fabrication tolerances and special materials that tend to render the process difficult and costly. Thus, novel approaches in device design and materials technology are called for and are being pursued. This paper discusses the application of the Faraday and nonreciprocal phase shift effects in waveguide isolator operation, the complications that arise in the miniaturization of these devices, and the novel solutions being pursued.