Reflection-mode operation of one-dimensional magnetophotonic crystals for use in film-based magneto-optical isolator devices

To investigate the potential of reflection type one-dimensional magnetophotonic crystals (1D-MPCs) for use in magneto-optical (MO) applications, theoretical studies were carried out. The calculations revealed that required MO isolator performance (reflectance R>99% and Kerr rotation angle theta(K)=45degrees) can be fulfilled with the reflection-mode 1D-MPC having only one thin magnetic layer. Provided that a dielectric multilayer film and Al film are combinatory used as the reflection layer, the structure of 1D-MPC satisfying the isolator requirements become much simpler than that of the transmission-mode 1D-MPC. This is indeed very attractive for actual isolator fabrications. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.