Applications of magneto-optical waveguides in integrated optics: review

Magnetooptical garnets combine high Faraday rotation with low optical losses in the near infrared region where optical communication via glass ?ber is established. In this spectral range garnets are the only materials discussed to realize nonreciprocal devices as optical isolators and circulators. Although such devices are available as microoptical components, practical versions of their integrated counterparts are still lacking. Numerous concepts have been developed theoretically many of which are tested experimentally. This paper presents an overview of the state of the art of the applications of garnet films in integrated optics. Also the technique of combining garnets with semiconductor materials is shortly discussed.