Magnetooptics in Layered Nonlinear Structures

The magnetooptics of an asymmetric layered waveguide structure is discussed to investigate the possibility of creating new devices that combine both nonreciprocity and nonlinearity. After addressing some fundamental magnetooptic properties and the kind of materials needed, a straightforward envelope theory is given that exploits the Voigt effect instead of the more obvious Faraday effect. It is emphasised that this choice leads to desirable design features. It is proposed that the introduction of an applied magnetic field to a waveguide structure can be achieved through the use of thin current-carrying strips. It is emphasised that the strips can be arranged to any degree of complexity and that a high degree of control over spatial soliton dynamics can be achieved. Spatial soliton light beams are selected because they can be generated, within a waveguide, in a stable form. The attractive features of using the type of magnetooptic waveguide investigated here are highlighted with examples and it is concluded that the formats proposed can be used for the fully integrated isolator capacity that modern laser systems demand.