Compact 1-D magnetophotonic crystals with simultaneous large magnetooptical Kerr rotation and high reflectance

We have investigated the case of reflection-type one-dimensional magnetophotonic crystals (MPCs) in order to achieve high reflectance and high magnetooptical Kerr effect, simultaneously, utilizing a low number of magnetic layers. In a MPC structure including only one Bi:YIG magnetic layer, we have achieved a Kerr rotation as huge as θk ≈ 90° with a reflectance of R > 97%. In addition, we have introduced a thinner structure having three Bi:YIG layers and with approximately the same Kerr rotation and reflectance. Both the structures are very compact with lengths of less than 9 μm.

Research Highlights► We introduce photonic crystals exhibiting enhanced magnetooptical Kerr effect. ► They can be considered as nearly perfect polarization mode converters. ► The established structures are very compact with lengths less than 9 µm.