Current-Controlled, High-Speed Magneto-Optic Switching

In this paper, an optical switch utilizing a magneto-optic Faraday rotator (MOFR) capable of submicrosecond switching is presented. The optical circuit and supporting electronic circuitry are presented. High optical switching speeds are accomplished through the design of an electronic circuit capable of creating high-speed magnetic pulses. Rise times of 75 ns of 40-Oe magnetic fields are achieved for optical circuit control. Experimental results of the electrical and optical circuit are presented. Circuit design and practical considerations are discussed.