Open AccessLow-symmetry magnetic photonic crystals for nonreciprocal and unidirectional devices
Author(s) -
Alexander B. Khanikaev,
M. J. Steel
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.17.005265
Subject(s) - photonic crystal , optics , symmetry (geometry) , physics , dispersion (optics) , boundary value problem , magnetic field , photonics , condensed matter physics , quantum mechanics , geometry , mathematics
We develop an exact theory for light propagation in transversely-magnetized low-symmetry magnetic photonic crystals. We investigate the nature of nonreciprocal dispersion and unidirectionality in these systems and show that it is associated with boundary effects rather than propagation. We calculate the nonreciprocal response of finite structures and propose an asymmetric magneto-optical cavity as a practical building block for one-way optical components.