Method for an Optical Modulator Using the Spin Hall Effect in Metals

摘要

The spin-Hall effect can be used to modulate the linear polarization of light via the magneto-optical Kerr effect. A material is illuminated while simultaneously passing a modulated electric current through the material, so that reflected light has a new linear polarization that differs from the initial linear polarization to a degree depending on the amplitude of the modulated electric current.

主权项

1. A method of modulating the linear polarization of a light source, comprising:
illuminating a spin Hall material with a light source arriving from a propagation direction and having an initial linear polarization, such that reflected light is cast from an outer surface of the spin Hall material, while simultaneously passing a modulated electric current through the material in a direction perpendicular to the propagation direction, and receiving the reflected light to assess its linear polarization, wherein the reflected light has a new linear polarization that differs from the initial linear polarization to a degree depending on the amplitude of the modulated electric current, and wherein the spin Hall material is selected from the group consisting of W film, Ta film, Pt film, Bi doped Cu film, IrMn film, Hf doped Pt film, and multiple layers of these films.