A gigahertz surface magneto-plasmon optical modulator

Abstract

We propose a novel high-speed magnetooptic (MO) modulator based on the optical excitation of surface magneto-plasmon (SMP) waves in bismuth-substituted yttrium iron garnet (Bi-YIG). A model describing magnetization dynamics of the Bi-YIG film is used in conjunction with an SMP reflectivity model to evaluate the performance of the device. In developing the reflectivity model, the dispersion relation for the SMP waves at a Bi-YIG-metal interface is derived. The optical response of the device is modeled for various driving pulses, and the performance of the device is discussed in terms of response time, efficiency, and bandwidth. Using practical material parameters, it is found that the modulator has an improved efficiency over MO modulation devices relying on bulk propagation for comparable driving current pulse durations, as well as the added benefits of a miniature design, multigigahertz operation, and tunable bandwidth. The analysis presented here provides a useful framework for the design and development of magneto-plasmon photonic devices.

Magnetoplasmonics: Combining Magnetic and Plasmonic Functionalities

“…The fi rst proposal, [ 217 ] demonstrated only on a theoretical basis, uses SPPs excited in a Ag/bismuth-substituted yttrium iron garnet interface. The fi rst proposal, [ 217 ] demonstrated only on a theoretical basis, uses SPPs excited in a Ag/bismuth-substituted yttrium iron garnet interface.…”

“…Finally, the modifi cation of the SPP wavevector by an external applied magnetic fi eld also allows the development of integrated optical modulators. The fi rst proposal, [ 217 ] demonstrated only on a theoretical basis, uses SPPs excited in a Ag/bismuth-substituted yttrium iron garnet interface. The modulator geometry is based on the ATR confi guration, being therefore relatively bulky and not fully integrable, and its basis of operation relies on the modifi cation of the SPP coupling angle under an applied magnetic fi eld perpendicular to the plane of incidence due to the SPP wavevector modifi cation.…”

Active Focusing of Light in Plasmonic Lens via Kerr Effect

“…This can be realized by employing active materials whose properties can be altered by some form of stimulation [3,36]. Switches and modulators on the basis of the electro-optic effect [37,38], the magneto-optic effect [39], the thermo-optic effect [40], the plasma dispersion effect [41], the plasmonic excitation of quantum dots [42] and the Kerr nonlinearity [43] are investigated. In the plasmonic lenses formed by nanoslits perforated on thin films, modulating the output beam can be accomplished by incorporating nanoslits with a type of active material like Kerr nonlinear material [44] or anisotropic nematic liquid crystal [45].…”

From disk to ring: Aspect ratio control of the magnetoplasmonic response in Au/Co/Au nanostructures fabricated by hole-mask colloidal lithography

“…1 In these so-called magnetoplasmonic structures, the plasmon resonance control and enhancement of the MO activity has been one of the most intensively studied aspects. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Due to the practical interest in general of magnetoplasmonic structures in sensing applications 8,9 as well as telecommunication [10][11][12] areas, the ability to spectrally tune this plasmon enhanced MO activity (MOA) is of obvious interest. For example, in single resonant magnetoplasmonic nanoelements such as disks 4,7,13,14 and particles, 15 while maintaining all other parameters fixed, their dimensions and aspect ratio are one of the relevant factors that allow controlling the wavelength range at which this enhancement takes place.…”