Faraday Rotation of Dy₂O₃, CeF₃ and Y₃Fe₅O₁₂ at the Mid-Infrared Wavelengths

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Laser Technology

Background:

• Limited magneto-active materials hinder mid-infrared (mid-IR) laser development.
• Existing materials' magneto-optical properties are often characterized at single wavelengths only.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively investigate the wavelength-dependent magneto-optical properties of emerging and established mid-IR magneto-active materials.
• To develop models for designing mid-IR Faraday devices, particularly for 2-μm lasers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a broadband radiation source and an advanced polarization-stepping method.
• Analyzed Faraday rotation across a spectrum of wavelengths for Dy2O3 ceramics, CeF3 crystal, and Y3Fe5O12 crystal.

Main Results:

• Derived approximate models for the wavelength dependence of Faraday rotation in the studied materials.
• The models are suitable for designing mid-IR Faraday devices for lasers emitting around 2 μm.
• The Y3Fe5O12 model approximates saturated Faraday rotation beyond 2 μm.

Conclusions:

• This research addresses the scarcity of mid-IR magneto-active materials and limited characterization data.
• The developed models facilitate the design of crucial components for mid-IR laser systems.
• The findings contribute to advancing mid-IR laser technology through improved material understanding and device design.