Columbia Technology Ventures

Ultra-compact waveguide optical isolator and optical splitter for integrated circuit telecommunications

Optical telecommunication systems require optically integrated devices for efficient light propagation and directing. This technology provides an ultra-compact optical isolator and splitter system for achieving uni-directional light propagation using magnetic fields, without the need of bulky components and complex processes that often plague existing optical isolator devices. Through this design a compact optically integrated isolator is created with a high efficiency of transmitted signal.

Single polarization isolator of magnetic material achieves unidirectional light propagation

This technology utilizes magnetic fields within the isolator (made of a magnetically active material) and an interferometer to create constructive interference for forward propagating light and complete destructive interference for backward propagating light, resulting in uni-directional light propagation. This technique is more compact than existing approaches that require additional components such as polarizers and waveplates. Uni-directionality is achieved via interference thus no additional polarizers are needed. The optical splitter design has also been made more compact by curving the sidewalls.

The efficiency of light propagation through the optical isolator has been demonstrated in the lab of Dr. Osgood at Columbia University.

Lead Inventor:

Richard M. Osgood, Ph.D.

Applications:

  • Optical isolators for telecommunications
  • Optical splitters for telecommunications
  • Optical couplers

Advantages:

  • Ultra-compact optical telecommunications system
  • Polarization independent
  • No phase matching required

Patent information:

Patent Pending (US 6792172)

Patent Pending (US 6943932)

Tech Ventures Reference: IR M00-058

Related Publications: