Faraday-Rotator

A Faraday rotator using the Faraday effect to change the direction of polarization of light or microwaves. It consists of a solenoid or a permanent magnet and a suitable medium in which the Faraday effect occurs.

Faraday rotators can be used in conjunction with polarization- limiting components ( the polarization filter, the slots or the like. ) For switching, branching or isolation (see optical isolator ) of electromagnetic radiation. Then you are also called Faraday isolator.

A waveguide member for direction-dependent transport of microwaves ( circulator duplexer), a Faraday rotator is, for example, on the one hand, a flange and at the other two ports of which only the mutually perpendicular directions of polarization of the wave enter or exit can. In between lies a waveguide section, in which a ferrite rod is located. Outside of this section is a cylindrical coil to generate and control the magnetic field can.

Circulators according to the Faraday principle can also be designed in stripline technology. In these, the Faraday rotator is made of a magnetized ferrite, which rests on the strip line structure.

Other end of the Faraday rotator from the right image: port or flange with the tapered ferrite rod in the middle

• Optical component
• Michael Faraday