Invention:
University of Arizona researchers have developed high Verdet constant thin films using polymer-nanoparticle composite material. The invention provides for uniform distribution of nanoparticles in a polymer matrix. The resulting inexpensive material possesses very high Verdet constants, exceeding one million / T-m. This material enables replacement of Faraday rotator “garnets” with thin polymer films and/or expand the use of high Verdet materials via closely integrated optical systems, especially for telecommunication.
Background:
Materials with a high Verdet constant are used in optical components for lasers and telecommunications. These materials are known as “Faraday Rotators” due to their property of rotating the polarization of light when placed in a directed magnetic field, and are used in optical rotators, optical isolators and optical circulators. For example, high-powered lasers need optical isolators to prevent light reentering the laser possibly causing damage to the laser. The most commonly used high Verdet constant materials are Terbium Gallium Garnets (TGG). These materials are expensive as well as somewhat difficult to manufacture. Other options exist but are also generally expensive and/or are difficult to manufacture.
Applications:
- Lasers: optical isolator
- Telecommunications: optical switch
- Biomedical imaging
- Magnetic field sensing
Advantages:
- Extremely high Verdet constant, enabling
- Less expensive replacements for garnets
- New applications for integrated optics systems
- Simple synthesis for polymer-composite material
- Simple application of material to system materials
