Integrated broadband Ce:YIG/Si Mach–Zehnder optical isolators with over 100  nm tuning range

We demonstrate integrated optical isolators with broadband behavior for the standard silicon-on-insulator platform. We achieve over 20 dB of optical isolation across 18 nm of optical bandwidth. The isolator is completely electrically controlled and does not require a permanent magnet. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability to tune the central operating wavelength of the isolator across 100 nm, which covers the entire S + C telecom bands. These devices show promise for integration in optical systems in which broadband isolation is needed such as wavelength multiplexed systems or optical sensors.