FDTD analysis of switching characteristics in magnetooptic functional devices using magnetostatic surface waves

Collinear magnetooptic interaction with magnetostatic surface waves (MSSW) can be used for wavelength‐selective switches, wavelength filters, and frequency shifters in wavelength‐division‐multiplexed (WDM) photonic networks and optical processing systems. The switching efficiency can be improved with a multilayer waveguide structure. To investigate the dynamic switching characteristics, the FDTD method was employed. The mode conversion between TE and TM mode was successfully demonstrated with FDTD simulation. The filtering characteristics were also evaluated. The FDTD results were compared with the result from the coupled mode theory, and good agreement was obtained. Switching of an optical pulse was also demonstrated by the FDTD method. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 162(1): 40–47, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20501