Optical isolation based on space-time engineered asymmetric photonic band gaps

Chamanara, Nima, Taravati, Sajjad, Deck-Léger, Zoé Lise and Caloz, Christophe (2017) Optical isolation based on space-time engineered asymmetric photonic band gaps. Physical Review B, 96 (15), [155409]. (doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.96.155409).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Nonreciprocal electromagnetic devices play a crucial role in modern microwave and optical technologies. Conventional methods for realizing such systems are incompatible with integrated circuits. With recent advances in integrated photonics, the need for efficient on-chip magnetless nonreciprocal devices has become more pressing than ever. This paper leverages space-time engineered asymmetric photonic band gaps to generate optical isolation. It shows that a properly designed space-time modulated slab is highly reflective/transparent for opposite directions of propagation. The corresponding design is magnetless, accommodates low modulation frequencies, and can achieve very high isolation levels. An experimental proof of concept at microwave frequencies is provided.

Text

1612.08398v2 - Accepted Manuscript

Available under License University of Southampton Accepted Manuscript Licence.

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