2020/09/09 by J. A. Haigh, Haigh, J. A., R. A. Chakalov +3
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies #FOS: Physical sciences #Mechanical and Optical Resonators #Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics (cond-mat.mes-hall) #Photonic and Optical Devices
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2009.04162
openalex publication_date 2020/09/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Microwave-to-optical conversion via ferromagnetic magnons has so-far been limited by the optical coupling rates achieved in mm-scale whispering gallery mode resonators. Towards overcoming this limitation, we propose and demonstrate an open magneto-optical cavity containing a thin-film of yttrium iron garnet (YIG). We achieve a 0.1 pL (100 μm3) optical mode volume, ∼50 times smaller than previous devices. From this, we estimate the magnon single-photon coupling rate is G≈50 Hz. This open cavity design offers the prospect of wavelength scale mode volumes, small polarization splittings, and good magneto-optical mode overlap. With achievable further improvements and optimization, efficient microwave-optical conversion and magnon cooling devices become a realistic possibility.