Magneto-optics describes the interaction of a magnetic field on the propagation of light. The University has a long history of world-leading research in magneto-optics optics, dating back to Kerr's discovery of the magneto-optic effect in the 19th centuary. More information on Kerr's experiments, some of which are exhibited in the Hunterian Museum can be found HERE.
Our current research is concentrated on developing technologies to be able to monolithically integrate a waveguide optical isolator with a semiconductor laser. Current and next generation photonic integrated circuits necessitate stable, narrow line width, integrated optical sources that are free from the injection noise that arises as a consequence of emitted radiation being reflected back into the laser cavity. Currently, in order to achieve this stability, bulk optical-isolators, which conventionally exploit the magneto-optic (MO) Faraday effect, are incorporated between the laser source and the optical system. Their assembly is a labour and time intensive process that results in increased cost and reduced throughput. Consequently, the prospect of monolithically integrated laser/optical-isolators has attracted considerable attention.
This work has been supported under the EPSRC project GR/S10599/01 Monolithic-Integrated Optical Devices containing Magneto-Optic elements in collaboration with the Universities of Cambridge and Salford.