Integrated optical isolators

Abstract

Introduction: Optical isolators are important components in lasers. Their main function is to eliminate noise caused by back-reflections into these lasers. The need for integrated isolators comes from the continuing growth of telecommunication networks. Monolithic integration of isolators with other optical components such as lasers would reduce costs and increase functionality. This thesis presents the design and test of a monolithically integrated optical isolator for telecommunication networks. This chapter will begin with an explanation of how isolators actually eliminate noise in lasers and then it will then show how commercial bulk isolators function. Next, greater detail will be provided on the need for monolithically integrated isolators. Because isolators are non-reciprocal devices, they must use a non-reciprocal effect in order to function. A brief description of this phenomenon, known as Faraday rotation, will be given in this chapter. Then previous work on integrated isolators will be presented. Finally, an overview of this thesis will be given.