Possible mechanisms of switching in symmetrical two-ports based on 2D photonic crystals with magneto-optical resonators

Abstract

We analyze possible mechanisms of switching in two-ports based on 2D photonic crystals (PhCs) with a magneto-optical resonator. The input and output waveguides can be side or front coupled with the resonator. The resonator operates with a dipole mode. In the switch with front coupling in the nonmagnetic state the standing dipole mode provides equal nonzero wave amplitudes in the input and output waveguides and therefore transmission of the signal from the input to output waveguides. This is the state on. The applied magnetic field normal to the plane of the PhC rotates the standing dipole mode by 90° setting the nodes in the input and output waveguides. This corresponds to the state off. On the contrary, in the switch with side coupling and nonmagnetized resonator, the standing dipole mode excited by a wave in the input waveguide has its node in the output waveguide. Therefore, the signal is reflected from the input port. This corresponds to the state off of the switch. Magnetization by a DC magnetic field produces a rotating dipole pattern in the cavity. Due to this rotating, the mode signal passes from the input port to the output one and this is the state on.