Open AccessElectron spin polarization-based integrated photonic devices
Author(s) -
C. J. Trowbridge,
Benjamin Norman,
J. W. W. Stephens,
A. C. Gossard,
D. D. Awschalom,
Vanessa Sih
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.014845
Subject(s) - optical isolator , circulator , photonic integrated circuit , optical circulator , optics , photonics , birefringence , optoelectronics , materials science , polarization (electrochemistry) , waveguide , physics , optical fiber , wavelength , chemistry
The lack of optical isolators has limited the serial integration of components in the development of photonic integrated circuits. Isolators are inherently nonreciprocal and, as such, require nonreciprocal optical propagation. We propose a class of integrated photonic devices that make use of electrically-generated electron spin polarization in semiconductors to cause nonreciprocal TE/TM mode conversion. Active control over the non-reciprocal mode coupling rate allows for the design of electrically-controlled isolators, circulators, modulators and switches. We analyze the effects of waveguide birefringence and absorption loss as limiting factors to device performance.