Magneto-optical properties of a GaAs:MnAs hybrid structure sandwiched by GaAs/AlAs distributed Bragg reflectors: Enhanced magneto-optical effect and theoretical analysis

Abstract

We have fabricated a multilayer structure consisting of a semiconductor-magnetic hybrid material GaAs:MnAs and GaAs/AlAs distributed Bragg reflectors, that is a one-dimensional semiconductor-based magnetophotonic crystal. Significant enhancement of magneto-optical effect was demonstrated at a controlled wavelength at room temperature. Magneto-optical spectra of this multilayer system were well explained by theoretical calculations, and the mechanism for the enhancement of magneto-optical effect was shown. Also, the required conditions for application to optical isolators are discussed and some potential solutions are indicated. Since our structure is composed of all semiconductor-based materials, the present results potentially lead to semiconductor based magneto-optical devices integrated with III–V-based optoelectronics.