Isolation effect in ferromagnetic-metal/semiconductor hybrid optical waveguide

The isolation effect in a ferromagnetic-metal/semiconductor hybrid optical waveguide was experimentally studied. Optical transmission in a Ga1−xAlxAs waveguide covered by Co was found to depend on the magnetization of the Co. The isolation direction was different for a waveguide with a SiO2 buffer layer and for a waveguide with a Ga1−xAlxAs buffer layer used between the waveguide core layer and Co layer. The physical origin of the isolation in this isolator structure was clarified.