JP2018189880A - Polarization member and optical isolator - Google Patents

Polarization member and optical isolator Download PDF

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JP2018189880A
JP2018189880A JP2017093842A JP2017093842A JP2018189880A JP 2018189880 A JP2018189880 A JP 2018189880A JP 2017093842 A JP2017093842 A JP 2017093842A JP 2017093842 A JP2017093842 A JP 2017093842A JP 2018189880 A JP2018189880 A JP 2018189880A
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polarizing member
optical isolator
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glass polarizer
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JP6713949B2 (en
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聡明 渡辺
Toshiaki Watanabe
聡明 渡辺
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Shin Etsu Chemical Co Ltd
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Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a polarization member capable of suppressing temperature rise in a glass polarizer by a high-power laser light source and an easily manufactured optical isolator having no characteristics deterioration in an extinction ratio and reverse direction insertion loss.SOLUTION: A polarization member for polarizing incident light onto a light transmission surface includes: a glass polarizer in which metallic fine particles are dispersed; and a silicon single crystal film joined with the light transmission surface of the glass polarizer. An optical isolator includes: the polarization member and a Faraday rotator arranged in a transmission direction of light; and a magnet for applying a magnetic field to the Faraday rotator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

本発明は、偏光部材及びそれを用いた光アイソレータに関する。   The present invention relates to a polarizing member and an optical isolator using the polarizing member.

光通信や光計測において、半導体レーザから出た光が、伝送路途中に設けられた部材表面で反射し、その反射光が半導体レーザに戻ってくると、レーザ発振が不安定になってしまう。この反射戻り光を遮断するために、偏光面を非相反で回転させるファラデー回転子を用いた光アイソレータが用いられる。   In optical communication or optical measurement, when the light emitted from the semiconductor laser is reflected on the surface of a member provided in the middle of the transmission path and the reflected light returns to the semiconductor laser, laser oscillation becomes unstable. In order to block the reflected return light, an optical isolator using a Faraday rotator that rotates the polarization plane non-reciprocally is used.

光アイソレータは、通常、ファラデー回転子と、その光透過方向の両側に配置される2枚の偏光子と、ファラデー回転子の周囲に配置され、透過光の進行方向に対して平行な磁界を印加する磁石等から構成される。   An optical isolator is usually placed around a Faraday rotator, two polarizers arranged on both sides of the light transmission direction, and a Faraday rotator, and applies a magnetic field parallel to the traveling direction of transmitted light. It consists of a magnet etc.

このような光アイソレータに入射した光は、第一偏光子によって直線偏光にされ、ファラデー回転子を透過する。入射直線偏光は、このファラデー回転子によって偏光面が45°回転され、透過偏光面を鉛直から45°傾けて配置された第二偏光子を通って出射する。戻り光はさまざまの偏光成分を持っているが、このうち鉛直から45°傾いた偏光成分のみが第二偏光子を透過する。この偏光成分は、ファラデー回転子によって45°の旋光を受けて、第一偏光子の透過偏光面から垂直に傾いた偏光となるため、第一偏光子を透過することができず、光源側には光が戻らない。   Light incident on such an optical isolator is linearly polarized by the first polarizer and passes through the Faraday rotator. The incident linearly polarized light is rotated by 45 ° by the Faraday rotator, and is emitted through a second polarizer arranged with the transmission polarization surface inclined by 45 ° from the vertical. The return light has various polarization components, but only the polarization component inclined 45 ° from the vertical is transmitted through the second polarizer. This polarization component receives 45 ° of rotation by the Faraday rotator and becomes polarized light that is tilted perpendicularly from the transmission polarization plane of the first polarizer. Does not return light.

光アイソレータにおいては、近年、光源となるレーザ光の高出力化に対応することが求められている。高出力レーザ光源に対応するための課題として、ファラデー回転子の光吸収による温度上昇が挙げられる。ファラデー回転子の温度が上昇すると、ファラデー回転角が変化し、光アイソレータの消光比等の特性が劣化してしまう。   In recent years, optical isolators are required to cope with high output of laser light serving as a light source. As a problem to cope with a high-power laser light source, there is an increase in temperature due to light absorption of the Faraday rotator. When the temperature of the Faraday rotator rises, the Faraday rotation angle changes, and characteristics such as the extinction ratio of the optical isolator deteriorate.

このような課題を解決するため、種々の提案がなされている。例えば、特許文献1では、磁気光学結晶をガーネット基板で挟んだ構成を提案している。しかしながら、ガーネット基板の熱伝導率は十分ではなく、100mWを超える出力においては、ファラデー回転子の温度上昇を抑えることは難しい。   In order to solve such problems, various proposals have been made. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which a magneto-optical crystal is sandwiched between garnet substrates. However, the thermal conductivity of the garnet substrate is not sufficient, and it is difficult to suppress the temperature rise of the Faraday rotator at an output exceeding 100 mW.

また、特許文献2では、ファラデー回転子に高い熱伝導率を示すサファイア単結晶を接触させて放熱効果を高めている。しかしながら、サファイア単結晶は複屈折性結晶であるため、光の入射角度によっては消光比が劣化してしまうという問題がある。   Moreover, in patent document 2, the sapphire single crystal which shows high thermal conductivity is made to contact a Faraday rotator, and the thermal radiation effect is heightened. However, since the sapphire single crystal is a birefringent crystal, there is a problem that the extinction ratio deteriorates depending on the incident angle of light.

対して、特許文献3では、楔型複屈折結晶板とサファイア単結晶板の結晶軸の方向を一致させることで消光比の劣化を防いでいる。しかしながら、透明な結晶板の結晶軸を考慮しながらの製造工程は、非常に煩雑なものとなってしまう。   On the other hand, in Patent Document 3, deterioration of the extinction ratio is prevented by matching the directions of the crystal axes of the wedge-shaped birefringent crystal plate and the sapphire single crystal plate. However, the manufacturing process in consideration of the crystal axis of the transparent crystal plate becomes very complicated.

特開平7−281129号公報JP 7-281129 A 特開2005−43853号公報JP 2005-43853 A 特開2007−108344号公報JP 2007-108344 A

光アイソレータを構成する偏光子には、様々な形式のものが用いられる。光アイソレータに用いられる偏光子の一つとして、内部に金属微粒子を分散させたガラス偏光子が挙げられる。ガラス偏光子による偏光は、内部に分散された金属微粒子の伝導吸収に基づくものである。吸収したエネルギーは熱に変換されるため、レーザ光源の高出力化が進むにつれて、ファラデー回転子とともにガラス偏光子の発熱も問題となる。   Various types of polarizers constituting the optical isolator are used. As one of the polarizers used in the optical isolator, there is a glass polarizer in which metal fine particles are dispersed. Polarization by the glass polarizer is based on conduction absorption of metal fine particles dispersed inside. Since the absorbed energy is converted into heat, heat generation of the glass polarizer as well as the Faraday rotator becomes a problem as the output of the laser light source increases.

本発明は、上記問題点に鑑みてなされたものであって、高出力レーザ光源によるガラス偏光子の温度上昇を抑制できる偏光部材を提供することを目的とする。また、本発明は、消光比等の特性劣化が抑制され、製造も容易な光アイソレータを提供することも目的とする。   This invention is made | formed in view of the said problem, Comprising: It aims at providing the polarizing member which can suppress the temperature rise of the glass polarizer by a high output laser light source. It is another object of the present invention to provide an optical isolator in which deterioration of characteristics such as an extinction ratio is suppressed and manufacturing is easy.

上記課題を解決するために、本発明では、光透過面に入射した光を偏光させる偏光部材であって、内部に金属微粒子が分散されたガラス偏光子と、該ガラス偏光子の光透過面に接合されたシリコン単結晶膜とを含んで構成されている偏光部材を提供する。   In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a polarizing member that polarizes light incident on a light transmission surface, the glass polarizer having metal fine particles dispersed therein, and the light transmission surface of the glass polarizer. Provided is a polarizing member including a bonded silicon single crystal film.

このような偏光部材であれば、熱伝導率の高いシリコン単結晶膜がガラス偏光子の光透過面上に設けられているため、高出力レーザ光源によるガラス偏光子の温度上昇を抑制できる。   With such a polarizing member, since the silicon single crystal film having high thermal conductivity is provided on the light transmission surface of the glass polarizer, the temperature rise of the glass polarizer due to the high-power laser light source can be suppressed.

またこのとき、前記ガラス偏光子は、平板形状であって、かつ該ガラス偏光子の向い合う二つの光透過面にそれぞれ一層ずつ前記シリコン単結晶膜が接合されているものであることが好ましい。   At this time, it is preferable that the glass polarizer has a flat plate shape and the silicon single crystal film is bonded to each of two light transmitting surfaces facing the glass polarizer.

このような構造を有する偏光部材であれば、より効果的に高出力レーザ光源によるガラス偏光子の温度上昇を抑制できる。   If it is a polarizing member which has such a structure, the temperature rise of the glass polarizer by a high output laser light source can be suppressed more effectively.

また、前記シリコン単結晶膜は、前記偏光部材を透過させる光の波長において光透過率が98%以上のものであることが好ましい。   The silicon single crystal film preferably has a light transmittance of 98% or more at a wavelength of light transmitted through the polarizing member.

このような光透過率を有するシリコン単結晶膜を用いた偏光部材であれば、光アイソレータとして好適に用いることができる。   A polarizing member using a silicon single crystal film having such light transmittance can be suitably used as an optical isolator.

このとき、前記光の波長は、1100nm以上6500nm以下のものであることが好ましい。   At this time, the wavelength of the light is preferably 1100 nm or more and 6500 nm or less.

シリコン単結晶膜は波長1100nm以上6500nm以下の範囲で高い透過率を示すため、このような波長の光を使用する場合において、本発明の偏光部材を好適に用いることができる。   Since the silicon single crystal film shows high transmittance in the wavelength range of 1100 nm to 6500 nm, the polarizing member of the present invention can be suitably used when using light with such a wavelength.

また、本発明の偏光部材においては、前記ガラス偏光子の光透過面及び前記シリコン単結晶膜の光透過面の少なくとも一つの面上に、反射防止コーティングを有するものであることが好ましい。   The polarizing member of the present invention preferably has an antireflection coating on at least one of the light transmitting surface of the glass polarizer and the light transmitting surface of the silicon single crystal film.

このような構成を有する偏光部材であれば、偏光部材の表面や、ガラス偏光子とシリコン単結晶膜との界面における反射を防ぐことができる。   If it is a polarizing member which has such a structure, the reflection in the surface of a polarizing member and the interface of a glass polarizer and a silicon single crystal film can be prevented.

さらに、本発明は、光の透過方向に配置された前記偏光部材及びファラデー回転子を含み、更に前記ファラデー回転子に磁界を印加する磁石を含んで構成されていることを特徴とする光アイソレータを提供する。   Furthermore, the present invention provides an optical isolator comprising the polarizing member and the Faraday rotator arranged in the light transmission direction, and further including a magnet for applying a magnetic field to the Faraday rotator. provide.

このように、本発明の偏光部材を用いて光アイソレータを構成すれば、温度上昇による消光比等の特性劣化を抑制することができる。   As described above, when the optical isolator is configured using the polarizing member of the present invention, it is possible to suppress deterioration of characteristics such as an extinction ratio due to a temperature rise.

また、本発明の光アイソレータにおいては、前記偏光部材と前記磁石が接触しているものとすることができる。   In the optical isolator of the present invention, the polarizing member and the magnet may be in contact with each other.

このような構成を有する光アイソレータであれば、ガラス偏光子から生じた熱を、シリコン単結晶膜及び磁石を通して効果的に放熱することができる。   With the optical isolator having such a configuration, heat generated from the glass polarizer can be effectively radiated through the silicon single crystal film and the magnet.

また、本発明の光アイソレータにおいては、前記偏光部材と前記磁石の間には、該磁石よりも高い熱伝導率を有する放熱部材が設けられ、前記偏光部材と前記放熱部材が接触し、かつ前記磁石と前記放熱部材が接触しているものとすることができる。   In the optical isolator of the present invention, a heat radiating member having higher thermal conductivity than the magnet is provided between the polarizing member and the magnet, the polarizing member and the heat radiating member are in contact with each other, and The magnet and the heat radiating member may be in contact with each other.

このような構成を有する光アイソレータであれば、より効果的にガラス偏光子から生じた熱を放熱することができる。   If it is an optical isolator which has such a structure, the heat generated from the glass polarizer can be radiated more effectively.

本発明のようなシリコン単結晶膜を有する偏光部材であれば、高出力レーザ光が透過した場合でもガラス偏光子の温度上昇を抑制することができる。また、この偏光部材を用いれば、温度上昇による消光比、逆方向挿入損失等の特性劣化の少ない光アイソレータを提供することができ、その製造も容易である。   If it is a polarizing member which has a silicon single crystal film like this invention, even when a high output laser beam permeate | transmits, the temperature rise of a glass polarizer can be suppressed. Further, if this polarizing member is used, an optical isolator with little characteristic deterioration such as extinction ratio and reverse insertion loss due to temperature rise can be provided, and its manufacture is easy.

本発明の偏光部材の構成例を示す概略断面図である。 (a)はガラス偏光子の一つの光透過面にシリコン単結晶膜を接合した一例、(b)はガラス偏光子の向い合う二つの光透過面にそれぞれ一層ずつシリコン単結晶膜を接合した一例である。It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the polarizing member of this invention. (A) is an example in which a silicon single crystal film is bonded to one light transmission surface of a glass polarizer, and (b) is an example in which a silicon single crystal film is bonded to each of two light transmission surfaces facing the glass polarizer one by one. It is. 本発明の光アイソレータの構成の一例を示す概略断面図である。It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the optical isolator of this invention. 本発明の光アイソレータの構成の別の例を示す概略断面図である。It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows another example of a structure of the optical isolator of this invention. 本発明の光アイソレータの構成のさらに別の例を示す概略断面図である。It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows another example of a structure of the optical isolator of this invention. 本発明の光アイソレータの構成のさらに別の例を示す概略断面図である。It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows another example of a structure of the optical isolator of this invention.

本発明者は、ガラス偏光子の光透過面に熱伝導率の高いシリコン単結晶膜(168W/(m・K))を接合させることによって、高出力レーザ光源によるガラス偏光子の温度上昇を抑制できることを見出した。また、このようにガラス偏光子とシリコン単結晶膜を含んで構成した偏光部材を用いて光アイソレータを構成すれば、ガラス偏光子の温度上昇による消光比等の特性劣化を抑制することができる。   The present inventor suppresses the temperature rise of the glass polarizer caused by the high-power laser light source by bonding a silicon single crystal film (168 W / (m · K)) having high thermal conductivity to the light transmitting surface of the glass polarizer. I found out that I can do it. In addition, if an optical isolator is configured using a polarizing member that includes a glass polarizer and a silicon single crystal film in this manner, it is possible to suppress deterioration in characteristics such as an extinction ratio due to a temperature rise of the glass polarizer.

即ち、本発明は、光透過面に入射した光を偏光させる偏光部材であって、内部に金属微粒子が分散されたガラス偏光子と、該ガラス偏光子の光透過面に接合されたシリコン単結晶膜とを含んで構成されている偏光部材である。   That is, the present invention is a polarizing member that polarizes light incident on a light transmission surface, a glass polarizer in which metal fine particles are dispersed, and a silicon single crystal bonded to the light transmission surface of the glass polarizer. The polarizing member is configured to include a film.

以下、本発明について図を参照しながら詳細に説明するが、本発明はこれらに限定されるものではない。   Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

図1は、本発明の偏光部材の構成例を示す概略断面図である。図1(a)は、ガラス偏光子1の一つの光透過面にシリコン単結晶膜2を接合した例である。図1(a)に示した偏光部材101は、ガラス偏光子1と、ガラス偏光子1の光透過面に接合されたシリコン単結晶膜2を含んで構成されている。   FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a polarizing member of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example in which a silicon single crystal film 2 is bonded to one light transmission surface of a glass polarizer 1. A polarizing member 101 shown in FIG. 1A includes a glass polarizer 1 and a silicon single crystal film 2 bonded to a light transmission surface of the glass polarizer 1.

本発明において用いるガラス偏光子1は、金属微粒子を分散させたガラス偏光子であり、その偏光機構は金属微粒子内の伝導電子の共鳴吸収によるものである。このようなガラス偏光子1として、Corning社製Polarcor、HOYA社製CUPO、CODIXX社製colorPol等を用いることができる。   The glass polarizer 1 used in the present invention is a glass polarizer in which metal fine particles are dispersed, and the polarization mechanism is based on resonance absorption of conduction electrons in the metal fine particles. As such a glass polarizer 1, Corning Polarcor, HOYA CUPO, CODIXX colorPol, or the like can be used.

また、ガラス偏光子1は通常、平板形状である。図1(b)に示したように、本発明では平板形状のガラス偏光子1の向い合う二つの光透過面に一層ずつシリコン単結晶膜2が接合している偏光部材102とすることが好ましい。このようにすれば、ガラス偏光子1の温度上昇をより効果的に抑制することができる。   Moreover, the glass polarizer 1 is normally flat plate shape. As shown in FIG. 1 (b), in the present invention, it is preferable to use a polarizing member 102 in which the silicon single crystal film 2 is bonded to the two light transmitting surfaces of the flat glass polarizer 1 facing each other. . If it does in this way, the temperature rise of the glass polarizer 1 can be suppressed more effectively.

このようなシリコン単結晶膜2は、使用する光の波長における光透過率が98%以上となるようにすることが好ましい。例えば、シリコン単結晶膜2の膜厚を5mm以下とすれば、波長1550nmの光において光透過率が98%以上となる。   Such a silicon single crystal film 2 preferably has a light transmittance of 98% or more at the wavelength of light used. For example, if the thickness of the silicon single crystal film 2 is 5 mm or less, the light transmittance is 98% or more for light having a wavelength of 1550 nm.

また、シリコン単結晶膜2は、波長が1100nm以上6500nm以下の範囲の光において、光透過率が98%以上となるものであることが好ましく、本発明の偏光部材101、102はこの波長範囲の光源に対して用いられることが好ましい。   The silicon single crystal film 2 preferably has a light transmittance of 98% or more in the light having a wavelength in the range of 1100 nm to 6500 nm. The polarizing members 101 and 102 of the present invention have a wavelength in this wavelength range. It is preferably used for a light source.

また、ガラス偏光子1とシリコン単結晶膜2との界面における反射を防ぐため反射防止(AR:Anti−Reflection)コーティング層3が介在してもよい。この反射防止コーティング層(反射防止膜)3としては、通常用いられるものを用いることができ、例えば、酸化ケイ素と酸化タンタルとの組み合わせや酸化ケイ素と酸化チタンとの組み合わせ等を好適に用いることができる。この反射防止コーティング層3は、真空蒸着等の方法により形成することができる。このガラス偏光子1とシリコン単結晶膜2の間の反射防止コーティング層3は、対ガラス偏光子ARコーティングとも、対シリコン単結晶ARコーティングとも言うことができる。   Further, an anti-reflection (AR) coating layer 3 may be interposed to prevent reflection at the interface between the glass polarizer 1 and the silicon single crystal film 2. As the antireflection coating layer (antireflection film) 3, a commonly used one can be used. For example, a combination of silicon oxide and tantalum oxide, a combination of silicon oxide and titanium oxide, or the like is preferably used. it can. This antireflection coating layer 3 can be formed by a method such as vacuum deposition. The antireflection coating layer 3 between the glass polarizer 1 and the silicon single crystal film 2 can be referred to as a glass polarizer AR coating or a silicon single crystal AR coating.

シリコン単結晶膜2を、ガラス偏光子1の光透過面に接合する方法は特に限定されないが、例えば、陽極接合、接着剤を用いて接合する方法、等によりシリコン単結晶膜2とガラス偏光子1を接合することができる。陽極接合等により無機的な接合状態とする方が、熱伝導性に優れるため好ましい。   The method for bonding the silicon single crystal film 2 to the light transmission surface of the glass polarizer 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the silicon single crystal film 2 and the glass polarizer can be bonded by anodic bonding, a bonding method using an adhesive, or the like. 1 can be joined. An inorganic bonded state by anodic bonding or the like is preferable because of excellent thermal conductivity.

このようにガラス偏光子1の光透過面にシリコン単結晶膜2が接合された本発明の偏光部材101、102を用いて、光アイソレータを構成することができる。このような光アイソレータであれば、ガラス偏光子1の温度上昇による消光比等の特性劣化を抑制することができる。   Thus, an optical isolator can be configured using the polarizing members 101 and 102 of the present invention in which the silicon single crystal film 2 is bonded to the light transmission surface of the glass polarizer 1. With such an optical isolator, it is possible to suppress deterioration of characteristics such as an extinction ratio due to a temperature rise of the glass polarizer 1.

光アイソレータは、本発明の偏光部材101、102と、ファラデー回転子と、磁石を含んで構成する。光アイソレータの具体的な様態は特に限定されないが、例えば、以下のようにすることができる。   The optical isolator includes the polarizing members 101 and 102 of the present invention, a Faraday rotator, and a magnet. Although the specific aspect of an optical isolator is not specifically limited, For example, it can be as follows.

ファラデー回転子の光透過方向の両側に、本発明の偏光部材101、102を一つずつ配置する。磁石は、光の透過方向に対して平行な磁界を印加するように配置する。これらは、通常、筐体内に入れられデバイスとして製造される。その他、必要に応じて波長板、フィルタ、等の要素を追加してもよく、また、光アイソレータを含んだモジュールとしてもよい。   One polarizing member 101, 102 of the present invention is disposed on each side of the light transmission direction of the Faraday rotator. The magnet is arranged to apply a magnetic field parallel to the light transmission direction. These are usually put in a housing and manufactured as a device. In addition, elements such as a wave plate and a filter may be added as necessary, or a module including an optical isolator may be used.

本発明の光アイソレータの構成の一例を図2に示した。図2の光アイソレータ201は、光の透過方向に配置された本発明の偏光部材101及びファラデー回転子4を含み、更にファラデー回転子4に磁界を印加する磁石5を含んで構成される。偏光部材101はガラス偏光子1とシリコン単結晶膜2からなり、反射防止コーティング層3を含んでいてもよい。また、偏光部材101とファラデー回転子4の空気と接する表面には、反射防止コーティング層(対空気ARコーティング)6が施されていてもよい。   An example of the configuration of the optical isolator of the present invention is shown in FIG. The optical isolator 201 in FIG. 2 includes the polarizing member 101 of the present invention and the Faraday rotator 4 arranged in the light transmission direction, and further includes a magnet 5 that applies a magnetic field to the Faraday rotator 4. The polarizing member 101 is composed of a glass polarizer 1 and a silicon single crystal film 2 and may include an antireflection coating layer 3. Further, an antireflection coating layer (anti-air AR coating) 6 may be applied to the surfaces of the polarizing member 101 and the Faraday rotator 4 that are in contact with the air.

ファラデー回転子4は、特に限定されないが、例えば、ビスマス置換希土類鉄ガーネット、YFe12(YIG)、TbGa12(TGG)、等を用いることができる。また、磁石5は、特に限定されないが、例えば、SmCo系磁石、NdFeB系磁石、等を用いることができる。磁石5の形状は、中空形状であり、円筒形状であることが好ましい。このとき、所望の形状である一つの磁石を用いてもよいし、複数の磁石から所望の形状にしてもよい。 Although the Faraday rotator 4 is not particularly limited, for example, bismuth-substituted rare earth iron garnet, Y 3 Fe 5 O 12 (YIG), Tb 3 Ga 5 O 12 (TGG), or the like can be used. The magnet 5 is not particularly limited, and for example, an SmCo-based magnet, an NdFeB-based magnet, or the like can be used. The shape of the magnet 5 is a hollow shape and is preferably a cylindrical shape. At this time, a single magnet having a desired shape may be used, or a desired shape may be formed from a plurality of magnets.

本発明の光アイソレータの構成の別の一例を図4に示した。図4の光アイソレータ203は、図2の構成例と同様に、光の透過方向に配置された本発明の偏光部材101及びファラデー回転子4を含み、更にファラデー回転子4に磁界を印加する磁石5を含んで構成される。図4の構成例では、偏光部材101とファラデー回転子4はエポキシ接着剤等の接着剤8により接合されている。接着剤8と偏光部材101の界面、及び接着剤8とファラデー回転子4の界面には対エポキシARコーティング等の接着剤8に対する反射防止コーティング(対接着剤ARコーティング)9が施されていてもよい。また、偏光部材101の空気と接する表面には、対空気ARコーティング6が施されていてもよい。   Another example of the configuration of the optical isolator of the present invention is shown in FIG. The optical isolator 203 of FIG. 4 includes the polarizing member 101 of the present invention and the Faraday rotator 4 arranged in the light transmission direction, and further applies a magnetic field to the Faraday rotator 4 as in the configuration example of FIG. 5 is comprised. In the configuration example of FIG. 4, the polarizing member 101 and the Faraday rotator 4 are joined by an adhesive 8 such as an epoxy adhesive. Even if the interface between the adhesive 8 and the polarizing member 101 and the interface between the adhesive 8 and the Faraday rotator 4 are provided with an antireflection coating (adhesive AR coating) 9 for the adhesive 8 such as an epoxy AR coating. Good. In addition, an anti-air AR coating 6 may be applied to the surface of the polarizing member 101 that is in contact with air.

また、図2及び図4に示しているように、光アイソレータ201、203において、偏光部材101と磁石5は接触していることが好ましい。このように構成することにより、ガラス偏光子1から生じた熱を、シリコン単結晶膜2及び磁石5を通して効果的に放熱することができる。   2 and 4, in the optical isolators 201 and 203, the polarizing member 101 and the magnet 5 are preferably in contact with each other. With this configuration, heat generated from the glass polarizer 1 can be effectively radiated through the silicon single crystal film 2 and the magnet 5.

本発明の光アイソレータの構成の別の一例を図3に示した。図3の光アイソレータ202は、図2の構成例と同様に、光の透過方向に配置された本発明の偏光部材101及びファラデー回転子4を含み、更にファラデー回転子4に磁界を印加する磁石5を含んで構成される。更に、図3の構成例では、偏光部材101と磁石5の間には、磁石5よりも高い熱伝導率を有する放熱部材7が設けられ、偏光部材101と放熱部材7が接触し、かつ磁石5と放熱部材7が接触している。このように、偏光部材101と磁石5の間には、磁石5よりも高い熱伝導率を有する放熱部材7が設けられ、偏光部材101と放熱部材7が接触し、かつ磁石5と放熱部材7が接触していることが好ましい。このように構成することにより、より効果的にガラス偏光子1から生じた熱を放熱することができる。   Another example of the configuration of the optical isolator of the present invention is shown in FIG. The optical isolator 202 of FIG. 3 includes the polarizing member 101 of the present invention and the Faraday rotator 4 arranged in the light transmission direction, and further applies a magnetic field to the Faraday rotator 4 as in the configuration example of FIG. 5 is comprised. Further, in the configuration example of FIG. 3, a heat radiating member 7 having a thermal conductivity higher than that of the magnet 5 is provided between the polarizing member 101 and the magnet 5, and the polarizing member 101 and the heat radiating member 7 are in contact with each other. 5 and the heat radiating member 7 are in contact. Thus, between the polarizing member 101 and the magnet 5, the heat radiating member 7 having a higher thermal conductivity than the magnet 5 is provided, the polarizing member 101 and the heat radiating member 7 are in contact, and the magnet 5 and the heat radiating member 7. Are preferably in contact with each other. By comprising in this way, the heat generated from the glass polarizer 1 can be radiated more effectively.

本発明の光アイソレータの構成の別の一例を図5に示した。この構成例では、偏光部材として、図1(b)に示したガラス偏光子1の向い合う二つの光透過面のそれぞれにシリコン単結晶膜2を形成したもの(偏光部材102)を用いている。図5の光アイソレータ204は、図2の構成と同様に、光の透過方向に配置された本発明の偏光部材102及びファラデー回転子4を含み、更にファラデー回転子4に磁界を印加する磁石5を含んで構成される。偏光部材102と磁石5の間には、図3の構成例と同様に、磁石5よりも高い熱伝導率を有する放熱部材7が設けられ、偏光部材102と放熱部材7が接触し、かつ磁石5と放熱部材7が接触している。図5の構成例では、偏光部材102とファラデー回転子4はエポキシ接着剤等の接着剤8により接合されている例を示した。接着剤8と偏光部材102の界面、及び接着剤8とファラデー回転子4の界面には対エポキシARコーティング等の接着剤8に対する反射防止コーティング(対接着剤ARコーティング)9が施されていてもよい。また、偏光部材102の空気と接する表面には、対空気ARコーティング6が施されていてもよい。   Another example of the configuration of the optical isolator of the present invention is shown in FIG. In this configuration example, a polarizing member in which the silicon single crystal film 2 is formed on each of the two light transmitting surfaces facing each other of the glass polarizer 1 shown in FIG. 1B (polarizing member 102) is used. . The optical isolator 204 of FIG. 5 includes the polarizing member 102 and the Faraday rotator 4 of the present invention arranged in the light transmission direction, and further applies a magnet 5 for applying a magnetic field to the Faraday rotator 4 as in the configuration of FIG. It is comprised including. As in the configuration example of FIG. 3, a heat radiating member 7 having higher thermal conductivity than the magnet 5 is provided between the polarizing member 102 and the magnet 5, and the polarizing member 102 and the heat radiating member 7 are in contact with each other. 5 and the heat radiating member 7 are in contact. In the configuration example of FIG. 5, an example in which the polarizing member 102 and the Faraday rotator 4 are joined by an adhesive 8 such as an epoxy adhesive is shown. Even if the interface between the adhesive 8 and the polarizing member 102 and the interface between the adhesive 8 and the Faraday rotator 4 are provided with an anti-reflection coating (adhesive AR coating) 9 for the adhesive 8 such as an epoxy AR coating. Good. In addition, the anti-air AR coating 6 may be applied to the surface of the polarizing member 102 that comes into contact with air.

放熱部材7は、例えば、ステンレス鋼(SUS304,SUS430)、炭素鋼、アルミニウム、真鍮、銅、アルミナ等を用いることができ、熱伝導率が20W/(m・K)以上の材料を用いることが好ましい。   For the heat dissipation member 7, for example, stainless steel (SUS304, SUS430), carbon steel, aluminum, brass, copper, alumina, or the like can be used, and a material having a thermal conductivity of 20 W / (m · K) or more is used. preferable.

以下、実施例及び比較例を用いて本発明をさらに具体的に説明するが、本発明はこれらに限定されるものではない。   Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

〈実施例1〉
以下のように、図1(a)に示した構造を有する偏光部材101を作製し、図2に示した光アイソレータ201を作製した。まず、波長1550nmの透過光に対して、25℃で偏光面を45°回転させるように調整した(TbEu)BiFe4.8Ga0.212から成るファラデー回転子4を準備した。このファラデー回転子4の二つの光透過面には、対空気ARコーティング6を施した。
<Example 1>
The polarizing member 101 having the structure shown in FIG. 1A was produced as follows, and the optical isolator 201 shown in FIG. 2 was produced. First, a Faraday rotator 4 made of (TbEu) 2 Bi 1 Fe 4.8 Ga 0.2 O 12 was prepared by adjusting the polarization plane to 45 ° at 25 ° C. with respect to transmitted light having a wavelength of 1550 nm. . An anti-air AR coating 6 was applied to the two light transmission surfaces of the Faraday rotator 4.

ガラス偏光子1(Corning社製Polarcor)の光透過面のうち一面に、陽極接合法によってシリコン単結晶膜2を接合した。シリコン単結晶膜2のガラス偏光子1に接合する面には、対ガラス偏光子ARコーティング3を施した。このようにして作製した、図1(a)に示した構造の偏光部材101の空気と接する光透過面には、対空気ARコーティング6を施した(図2参照)。このシリコン単結晶膜1の膜厚は、0.15mmであり、波長1550nmにおける光透過率は99.4%であった。このようにして作製した偏光部材101を二つ準備した。   A silicon single crystal film 2 was bonded to one surface of the light transmitting surface of a glass polarizer 1 (Corning Polarcor) by an anodic bonding method. The surface of the silicon single crystal film 2 to be bonded to the glass polarizer 1 was provided with a glass polarizer AR coating 3. An anti-air AR coating 6 was applied to the light transmitting surface in contact with air of the polarizing member 101 having the structure shown in FIG. 1A manufactured as described above (see FIG. 2). The thickness of this silicon single crystal film 1 was 0.15 mm, and the light transmittance at a wavelength of 1550 nm was 99.4%. Two polarizing members 101 thus prepared were prepared.

次に、ファラデー回転子4の両側に、シリコン単結晶膜2が外側になるように、上記の偏光部材101を一つずつ配置し、これらを円筒状のSmCo系製磁石5の内部に光が透過するように配置した。このとき、偏光部材101と磁石5は接触して配置した。これらを金属製筐体内に入れ、開口径が10mmの光アイソレータ201を完成させた(図2参照)。   Next, the polarizing members 101 are arranged one by one on both sides of the Faraday rotator 4 so that the silicon single crystal film 2 is on the outside, and light is placed inside the cylindrical SmCo magnet 5. It arrange | positioned so that it might permeate | transmit. At this time, the polarizing member 101 and the magnet 5 were placed in contact with each other. These were put in a metal casing to complete an optical isolator 201 having an opening diameter of 10 mm (see FIG. 2).

作製した光アイソレータ201について、500mWのCW(Continuous Wave)レーザ偏光を入射させて、挿入損失及び消光比の評価を行った。   About the produced optical isolator 201, Cm (Continuous Wave) laser polarized light of 500 mW was incident, and insertion loss and extinction ratio were evaluated.

レーザ光を入射させた際の初期の順方向挿入損失は0.15dB、逆方向挿入損失は45.2dB、光アイソレータ201の消光比は48.0dBであった。その後、逆方向から順方向出射側偏光部材の透過偏光方向に合せて1時間連続でレーザ光を入射させた。一時間後の順方向挿入損失は0.15dB、逆方向挿入損失は41.3dB、光アイソレータ201の消光比は47.5dBであった。   When the laser beam was incident, the initial forward insertion loss was 0.15 dB, the reverse insertion loss was 45.2 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator 201 was 48.0 dB. Thereafter, laser light was incident for 1 hour continuously from the reverse direction in accordance with the transmission polarization direction of the forward-direction exit side polarizing member. The forward insertion loss after one hour was 0.15 dB, the reverse insertion loss was 41.3 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator 201 was 47.5 dB.

〈実施例2〉
実施例2では、図3に示すように、実施例1で用いたのと同様の偏光部材101と磁石5の間に円筒形状の銅製放熱部材7を設けて光アイソレータ202を作製した。このとき、偏光部材101と放熱部材7が接触し、かつ磁石5と放熱部材7も接触するようにした。放熱部材7の熱伝導率は371W/(m・K)である。また、磁石5の熱伝導率は23W/(m・K)である。それ以外は、実施例1と同様に光アイソレータ202を作製し、挿入損失及び消光比の評価を行った(図3参照)。
<Example 2>
In Example 2, as shown in FIG. 3, an optical isolator 202 was manufactured by providing a cylindrical copper heat radiating member 7 between the polarizing member 101 and the magnet 5 similar to those used in Example 1. At this time, the polarizing member 101 and the heat dissipation member 7 are in contact with each other, and the magnet 5 and the heat dissipation member 7 are also in contact with each other. The thermal conductivity of the heat dissipating member 7 is 371 W / (m · K). The thermal conductivity of the magnet 5 is 23 W / (m · K). Other than that, the optical isolator 202 was produced similarly to Example 1, and the insertion loss and the extinction ratio were evaluated (refer FIG. 3).

レーザ光を入射させた際の初期の順方向挿入損失は0.15dB、逆方向挿入損失は45.2dB、光アイソレータ202の消光比は48.0dBであった。その後、逆方向から1時間連続でレーザ光を入射させた。1時間後の順方向挿入損失は0.15dB、逆方向挿入損失は42.8dB、光アイソレータ202の消光比は48.0dBであった。   When the laser beam was incident, the initial forward insertion loss was 0.15 dB, the reverse insertion loss was 45.2 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator 202 was 48.0 dB. Thereafter, laser light was incident continuously for 1 hour from the reverse direction. The forward insertion loss after 1 hour was 0.15 dB, the backward insertion loss was 42.8 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator 202 was 48.0 dB.

〈実施例3〉
実施例3では、図4に示したように、実施例1で用いたのと同様の偏光部材101とファラデー回転子4とを、エポキシ接着剤8を介して密着固定した。このとき、ファラデー回転子4の二つの光透過面には、対エポキシARコーティング9を、シリコン単結晶膜2のガラス偏光子1に接する面には対ガラス偏光子ARコーティング3を、外側になる面には対空気ARコーティング6を施した。また、ガラス偏光子1のファラデー回転子4に接合した面には対エポキシARコーティング9を施した。これらを円筒状のNdFeB系製磁石5の内部に光が透過するように配置した。これらを金属製筐体内に入れ、開口径が1mmの光アイソレータ203を完成させた(図4参照)。
<Example 3>
In Example 3, as shown in FIG. 4, the same polarizing member 101 and the Faraday rotator 4 used in Example 1 were fixed in close contact via an epoxy adhesive 8. At this time, the anti-epoxy AR coating 9 is provided on the two light transmitting surfaces of the Faraday rotator 4, and the anti-glass polarizer AR coating 3 is provided on the surface of the silicon single crystal film 2 in contact with the glass polarizer 1. Anti-air AR coating 6 was applied to the surface. Further, an anti-epoxy AR coating 9 was applied to the surface of the glass polarizer 1 bonded to the Faraday rotator 4. These were arranged so that light could pass through the inside of the cylindrical NdFeB magnet 5. These were put in a metal casing to complete an optical isolator 203 having an opening diameter of 1 mm (see FIG. 4).

作製した光アイソレータ203について、500mWのCWレーザ偏光を入射させて、挿入損失及び消光比の評価を行った。   About the produced optical isolator 203, CW laser polarized light of 500 mW was incident, and the insertion loss and the extinction ratio were evaluated.

レーザ光を入射させた際の初期の順方向挿入損失は0.17dB、逆方向挿入損失は43.0dB、光アイソレータ203の消光比は47.5dBであった。その後、逆方向から順方向出射側偏光部材の透過偏光方向に合せて30分間連続でレーザ光を入射させた。30分後の順方向挿入損失は0.18dB、逆方向挿入損失は39.0dB、光アイソレータ203の消光比は46.8dBであった。   When the laser beam was incident, the initial forward insertion loss was 0.17 dB, the reverse insertion loss was 43.0 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator 203 was 47.5 dB. Thereafter, laser light was incident continuously from the reverse direction for 30 minutes in accordance with the transmitted polarization direction of the forward-direction exit side polarizing member. After 30 minutes, the forward insertion loss was 0.18 dB, the reverse insertion loss was 39.0 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator 203 was 46.8 dB.

〈実施例4〉
実施例4では、以下のように、図1(b)に示した構造を有する偏光部材102を作製し、図4に示した光アイソレータ204を作製した。まず、実施例1で用いたのと同様のガラス偏光子1の向い合う二つの光透過面にそれぞれ一層ずつシリコン単結晶膜2を接合した。これにより図1(b)に示した偏光部材102を作製した。シリコン単結晶膜2のガラス偏光子1に接合する面には、対ガラス偏光子ARコーティング3を、もう一方の面には対エポキシARコーティング9を施した(図5参照)。このシリコン単結晶膜2の膜厚は、0.15mmであり、波長1550nmにおける光透過率は99.4%である。このようにして作製した偏光部材102を二つ準備した。
<Example 4>
In Example 4, the polarizing member 102 having the structure shown in FIG. 1B was produced as follows, and the optical isolator 204 shown in FIG. 4 was produced. First, the silicon single crystal film 2 was bonded to each of two light transmitting surfaces facing each other of the same glass polarizer 1 as used in Example 1. As a result, the polarizing member 102 shown in FIG. The surface of the silicon single crystal film 2 to be bonded to the glass polarizer 1 was coated with a glass polarizer AR coating 3 and the other surface was coated with an epoxy AR coating 9 (see FIG. 5). The thickness of the silicon single crystal film 2 is 0.15 mm, and the light transmittance at a wavelength of 1550 nm is 99.4%. Two polarizing members 102 thus prepared were prepared.

次に、ファラデー回転子4の両側に、対空気ARコーティング6を施したシリコン単結晶膜2が外側になるように偏光部材102を一つずつエポキシ接着剤8を介して密着固定し、これらを円筒形状のアルミナ製放熱部材7の内部に光が透過するように配置した。ファラデー回転子4の二つの光透過面には、対エポキシARコーティング9を施した。放熱部材7の熱伝導率は32W/(m・K)である。放熱部材7の周囲には円筒状のNdFeB系製磁石5を配置した。このNdFeB系製磁石5の熱伝導率は9W/(m・K)であり、放熱部材7の方が熱伝導率が高い。このとき、偏光部材102と放熱部材7が接触し、かつ磁石5と放熱部材7も接触するようにした。これらを金属製筐体内に入れ、開口径が1mmの光アイソレータ204を完成させた(図5参照)。   Next, the polarizing members 102 are adhered and fixed to the both sides of the Faraday rotator 4 through the epoxy adhesive 8 one by one so that the silicon single crystal film 2 to which the anti-air AR coating 6 is applied is outside. It arrange | positioned so that light might permeate | transmit inside the cylindrical-shaped alumina thermal radiation member 7. FIG. The two light transmission surfaces of the Faraday rotator 4 were provided with an epoxy AR coating 9. The heat conductivity of the heat radiating member 7 is 32 W / (m · K). A cylindrical NdFeB magnet 5 is disposed around the heat radiating member 7. The thermal conductivity of the NdFeB-based magnet 5 is 9 W / (m · K), and the heat dissipation member 7 has a higher thermal conductivity. At this time, the polarizing member 102 and the heat radiating member 7 are in contact with each other, and the magnet 5 and the heat radiating member 7 are also in contact with each other. These were put in a metal casing to complete an optical isolator 204 having an opening diameter of 1 mm (see FIG. 5).

作製した光アイソレータ204について、500mWのCWレーザ偏光を入射させて、挿入損失及び消光比の評価を行った。   About the produced optical isolator 204, CW laser polarized light of 500 mW was incident, and insertion loss and extinction ratio were evaluated.

レーザ光を入射させた際の初期の順方向挿入損失は0.17dB、逆方向挿入損失は43.5dB、光アイソレータ204の消光比は47.8dBであった。その後、逆方向から1時間連続でレーザ光を入射させた。1時間後の順方向挿入損失は0.17dB、逆方向挿入損失は41.5dB、光アイソレータ204の消光比は46.8dBであった。   When the laser beam was incident, the initial forward insertion loss was 0.17 dB, the reverse insertion loss was 43.5 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator 204 was 47.8 dB. Thereafter, laser light was incident continuously for 1 hour from the reverse direction. The forward insertion loss after 1 hour was 0.17 dB, the reverse insertion loss was 41.5 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator 204 was 46.8 dB.

〈比較例1〉
偏光部材として、シリコン単結晶膜を設けていないガラス偏光子を用いた以外は、実施例1と同様に光アイソレータを作製し、挿入損失及び消光比の評価を行った。なお、ガラス偏光子の二つの透過面には対空気ARコーティングが施されているものを用いた。
<Comparative example 1>
An optical isolator was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a glass polarizer without a silicon single crystal film was used as the polarizing member, and the insertion loss and the extinction ratio were evaluated. In addition, the thing to which anti-air AR coating was given to the two transmissive surfaces of a glass polarizer was used.

レーザ光を入射させた際の初期の順方向挿入損失は0.15dB、逆方向挿入損失は45.0dB、光アイソレータの消光比は47.8dBであった。その後、1時間連続でレーザ光を入射させた。1時間後の順方向挿入損失は1.04dB、逆方向挿入損失は15.0dB、光アイソレータの消光比は23.0dBであった。ガラス偏光子の金属微粒子が熱によって楕円形から円形に変形し、消光比が低下したと考えられる。   When the laser beam was incident, the initial forward insertion loss was 0.15 dB, the reverse insertion loss was 45.0 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator was 47.8 dB. Thereafter, laser light was incident continuously for 1 hour. The forward insertion loss after 1 hour was 1.04 dB, the backward insertion loss was 15.0 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator was 23.0 dB. It is considered that the metal fine particles of the glass polarizer were deformed from an ellipse to a circle by heat, and the extinction ratio was lowered.

〈比較例2〉
偏光部材として、シリコン単結晶膜を設けていないガラス偏光子を用いた以外は、実施例3と同様に光アイソレータを作製し、挿入損失及び消光比の評価を行った。なお、ガラス偏光子のファラデー回転子側の面には対エポキシARコーティングが、外側になる面には対空気ARコーティングが施されているものを用いた。
<Comparative example 2>
An optical isolator was produced in the same manner as in Example 3 except that a glass polarizer without a silicon single crystal film was used as the polarizing member, and the insertion loss and the extinction ratio were evaluated. In addition, the surface to the Faraday rotator side of the glass polarizer was coated with an anti-epoxy AR coating, and the outer surface was coated with an anti-air AR coating.

レーザ光を入射させた際の初期の順方向挿入損失は0.15dB、逆方向挿入損失は44.0dB、光アイソレータの消光比は48.2dBであった。その後、逆方向から30分間連続でレーザ光を入射させた。30分後、順方向入射側偏光部材とファラデー回転子との間のエポキシ接着剤が破壊され、ガラス偏光子も損傷した。   When the laser beam was incident, the initial forward insertion loss was 0.15 dB, the reverse insertion loss was 44.0 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator was 48.2 dB. Thereafter, laser light was incident continuously for 30 minutes from the reverse direction. After 30 minutes, the epoxy adhesive between the forward incident side polarizing member and the Faraday rotator was broken, and the glass polarizer was also damaged.

〈比較例3〉
比較例3では、偏光部材のシリコン単結晶膜の代わりにサファイアを用いた。それ以外は、実施例1と同様に光アイソレータを作製し、挿入損失及び消光比の評価を行った。
<Comparative Example 3>
In Comparative Example 3, sapphire was used instead of the silicon single crystal film of the polarizing member. Other than that, the optical isolator was produced similarly to Example 1, and the insertion loss and the extinction ratio were evaluated.

レーザ光を入射させた際の初期の順方向挿入損失は1.04dB、逆方向挿入損失は21.0dB、光アイソレータの消光比は23.5dBであった。サファイアの複屈折性の影響によって、消光比、順方向挿入損失、逆方向挿入損失の何れの値も悪くなっている。その後、1時間連続でレーザ光を入射させた。1時間後の順方向挿入損失は1.04dB、逆方向挿入損失は20.8dB、光アイソレータの消光比は23.5dBであった。   When laser light was incident, the initial forward insertion loss was 1.04 dB, the reverse insertion loss was 21.0 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator was 23.5 dB. Due to the influence of birefringence of sapphire, all of the extinction ratio, forward insertion loss, and reverse insertion loss are deteriorated. Thereafter, laser light was incident continuously for 1 hour. The forward insertion loss after 1 hour was 1.04 dB, the backward insertion loss was 20.8 dB, and the extinction ratio of the optical isolator was 23.5 dB.

以上の実施例のように、本発明の偏光部材を用いた光アイソレータであれば、500mWのCWレーザ偏光を入射させても消光比、順方向挿入損失、及び逆方向挿入損失の値は良好なものであった。さらに、実施例1、2、4では1時間、実施例3では30分逆方向からレーザを射出した後でも、消光比、順方向挿入損失、及び逆方向挿入損失の値は良好なものであった。本発明の偏光部材を用いていない比較例1〜3では、ガラス偏光子の発熱により消光比が悪化したり、エポキシ接着剤が破壊されたり、長時間使用することは困難であった。また、本発明の偏光部材のシリコン単結晶膜の代わりにサファイアを用いた比較例3では、サファイアの複屈折性の影響によって、消光比、順方向挿入損失、逆方向挿入損失の何れの値も悪くなっていた。   As in the above embodiments, the optical isolator using the polarizing member of the present invention has good extinction ratio, forward insertion loss, and reverse insertion loss even when 500 mW CW laser polarized light is incident. It was a thing. Furthermore, the values of the extinction ratio, the forward insertion loss, and the backward insertion loss were good even after the laser was emitted from the reverse direction for 1 hour in Examples 1, 2, and 4 and 30 minutes in Example 3. It was. In Comparative Examples 1 to 3 in which the polarizing member of the present invention was not used, the extinction ratio deteriorated due to the heat generated by the glass polarizer, the epoxy adhesive was destroyed, and it was difficult to use for a long time. Further, in Comparative Example 3 using sapphire instead of the silicon single crystal film of the polarizing member of the present invention, all values of extinction ratio, forward insertion loss, and reverse insertion loss are caused by the influence of birefringence of sapphire. It was getting worse.

なお、本発明は、上記実施形態に限定されるものではない。上記実施形態は例示であり、本発明の特許請求の範囲に記載された技術的思想と実質的に同一な構成を有し、同様な作用効果を奏するものは、いかなるものであっても本発明の技術的範囲に包含される。   The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention has any configuration that has substantially the same configuration as the technical idea described in the claims of the present invention and that exhibits the same effects. Are included in the technical scope.

1…ガラス偏光子、 2…シリコン単結晶膜、
3…反射防止コーティング層(対ガラス偏光子(対シリコン単結晶)ARコーティング)、
4…ファラデー回転子、 5…磁石、
6…反射防止コーティング層(対空気ARコーティング)、 7…放熱部材、
8…接着剤、 9…反射防止コーティング層(対接着剤ARコーティング)、
101、102…偏光部材、
201、202、203、204…光アイソレータ。
1 ... glass polarizer, 2 ... silicon single crystal film,
3 ... Antireflection coating layer (for glass polarizer (vs. silicon single crystal) AR coating),
4 ... Faraday rotator, 5 ... Magnet,
6 ... Antireflection coating layer (air AR coating), 7 ... Heat dissipation member,
8 ... Adhesive, 9 ... Anti-reflective coating layer (for adhesive AR coating),
101, 102 ... polarizing member,
201, 202, 203, 204... Optical isolators.

Claims (8)

光透過面に入射した光を偏光させる偏光部材であって、内部に金属微粒子が分散されたガラス偏光子と、該ガラス偏光子の光透過面に接合されたシリコン単結晶膜とを含んで構成されていることを特徴とする偏光部材。   A polarizing member that polarizes light incident on a light transmitting surface, comprising a glass polarizer in which metal fine particles are dispersed and a silicon single crystal film bonded to the light transmitting surface of the glass polarizer A polarizing member characterized by being made. 前記ガラス偏光子は、平板形状であって、かつ該ガラス偏光子の向い合う二つの光透過面にそれぞれ一層ずつ前記シリコン単結晶膜が接合されているものであることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の偏光部材。   2. The glass polarizer has a flat plate shape, and the silicon single crystal film is bonded to each of two light transmitting surfaces facing the glass polarizer one by one. The polarizing member according to 1. 前記シリコン単結晶膜は、前記偏光部材を透過させる光の波長において光透過率が98%以上のものであることを特徴とする請求項1又は請求項2に記載の偏光部材。   The polarizing member according to claim 1, wherein the silicon single crystal film has a light transmittance of 98% or more at a wavelength of light transmitted through the polarizing member. 前記光の波長は、1100nm以上6500nm以下であることを特徴とする請求項3に記載の偏光部材。   The polarizing member according to claim 3, wherein the wavelength of the light is 1100 nm or more and 6500 nm or less. 前記ガラス偏光子の光透過面及び前記シリコン単結晶膜の光透過面の少なくとも一つの面上に、反射防止コーティングを有するものであることを特徴とする請求項1から請求項4のいずれか一項に記載の偏光部材。   The antireflection coating is provided on at least one of the light transmission surface of the glass polarizer and the light transmission surface of the silicon single crystal film, according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The polarizing member according to Item. 光の透過方向に配置された請求項1から請求項5のいずれか一項に記載の偏光部材及びファラデー回転子を含み、更に前記ファラデー回転子に磁界を印加する磁石を含んで構成されていることを特徴とする光アイソレータ。   The polarizing member and the Faraday rotator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 disposed in a light transmission direction, and further including a magnet that applies a magnetic field to the Faraday rotator. An optical isolator characterized by that. 前記偏光部材と前記磁石が接触しているものであることを特徴とする請求項6に記載の光アイソレータ。   The optical isolator according to claim 6, wherein the polarizing member and the magnet are in contact with each other. 前記偏光部材と前記磁石の間には、該磁石よりも高い熱伝導率を有する放熱部材が設けられ、前記偏光部材と前記放熱部材が接触し、かつ前記磁石と前記放熱部材が接触しているものであることを特徴とする請求項6に記載の光アイソレータ。   A heat radiating member having a higher thermal conductivity than the magnet is provided between the polarizing member and the magnet, the polarizing member and the heat radiating member are in contact, and the magnet and the heat radiating member are in contact. The optical isolator according to claim 6, wherein the optical isolator is one.
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