Magneto-optics and motion of the magnetization in a film-waveguide optical switch

Abstract

We discuss magnetic properties of iron‐garnet films and the use of these films as film‐waveguide optical switches. Our experimental study involves the observation of magnetic domains, measurements of Faraday rotation constants, coercive forces and anisotropy fields, and a detailed investigation of the switching process between 0 and 300 MHz. Our theoretical study includes magneto‐optics in film waveguides, and analysis of the serpentine circuit, and an extensive calculation of the motion of the magnetization. For low driving fields, the process of optical switching is the formation of periodic domains and the subsequent motion of domain walls. For higher driving fields, the process is rotation of the magnetization in unison. The switching field required for 100% modulation is several times the anisotropy field in the film, which can be as small as 0.1 Oe.