Broadband optical nonreciprocity enabled by magneto-optic effects for optical communication and signal processing applications

Non-reciprocal (NR) optical devices are essential for integrated photonic systems, enabling functional components such as optical isolators, circulators, switches, and active modulators. Magneto-optic effects offer a compelling route to achieve non-reciprocity. Prior studies have demonstrated key mechanisms such as the magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) for polarization rotation and isolation, mode conversion via Faraday effects for dynamic modulation, and thermal switching enabled by the magnetocaloric effect. They rely on bulky magneto-optic components, such as yttrium iron garnet (YIG), InSb, or gyrotropic metastructures, limiting scalability and integration. In this work, we present a numerical study of non-reciprocal edge mode propagation at dielectric-gyrotropic interface with transverse magnetic bias, which exhibits magnetically induced anisotropy and break time-reversal symmetry in a low physical profile. Numerical simulations demonstrate its directional transmission and tunable switching with high isolation ratios, low insertion loss, and broad operational bandwidth. These results highlight the potential of gyrotropic materials for scalable, passive, and broadband non-reciprocal photonic devices suitable for next-generation optical data communication and signal processing systems.