Nonvolatile photonic switch with magnetic materials on a silicon photonic platform [Invited]

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of a nonvolatile photonic switch driven by the magneto-optical (MO) effect. Thin-film magnets made of ferromagnetic metals have remanence and maintain the magnetization of the MO garnet. Considering integration on silicon photonic platforms, a thin-film magnet is placed beside the waveguide, and the MO garnet is bonded on the waveguide compatible with the back-end-of-line process. The results obtained demonstrate successfully the nonvolatile MO phase shift and high extinction switching.