Optical Nonreciprocity Based on Optomechanical Coupling

In the quest for all-optical data processing, $n{{0}{0ex}}o{{0}{0ex}}n{{0}{0ex}}r{{0}{0ex}}e{{0}{0ex}}c{{0}{0ex}}i{{0}{0ex}}p{{0}{0ex}}r{{0}{0ex}}o{{0}{0ex}}c{{0}{0ex}}a{{0}{0ex}}l$ components are currently magnetism-based and cannot be integrated into CMOS-compatible systems. As an alternative, the authors establish a theoretical framework for achieving optical nonreciprocity and breaking of time-reversal symmetry in general, multimode optomechanical systems. Their work provides both general insight and guidelines for design optimization, showing the way to isolators and gyrators compatible with integrated, low-noise nanophotonic systems.