NICHTREZIPROKES OPTISCHES BAUELEMENT, INSBESONDERE ZUR VERWENDUNG ALS ISOLATOR ODER ZIRKULATOR.

摘要

The optical element is inserted between at least two single-mode optical conductors (A...D) and comprises a magneto-optical waveguide structure (1) subjected to a magnetic field perpendicular to the propagation direction of the optical waves. The magneto-optical waveguide structure (1) exhibits a ground mode (5) and modes (6) of the first order, each of the optical conductors (A...D) coupled to it off centre. The magnitude and/or cross-sectional distribution of the refractive index of the waveguide structure (1) ensures a reciprocal phase difference between the modes (5,6) which is a multiple of 2pi plus pi/2. The magnetic field strength and/or the waveguide structure is selected to ensure a non-reciprocal phase difference between the two modes (5,6) which is a multiple of 2 plus pi/2.