Demonstration of quasi-phase-matched nonreciprocal polarization rotation in III-V semiconductor waveguides incorporating magneto-optic upper claddings

The demonstration of quasi-phase-matched nonreciprocal polarization rotation in a waveguide comprising a conventional III-V semiconductor core and lower cladding is reported. The approach, which is achieved through the incorporation of a periodic upper cladding that alternates between magneto-optic and nonmagneto-optic media, overcomes many of the problems traditionally encountered when transferring the principles of free-space Faraday-effect optical isolators into waveguide geometries. An enhancement of polarization rotation many times greater than that achievable in the absence of phase matching is observed. Additionally, the technique facilitates an ability to select and/or manipulate individual modes from multimode waveguides. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.