EuSrMO3 Magneto-Optical Light Modulator for Room-Temperature Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magneto-optical devices face challenges in making magneto-optical effects industrially applicable within easily accessible temperature ranges and magnetic fields, limiting their efficiency and sensitivity in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A magneto-optical light modulator using a substrate with a Eu(1-x)Sr(x)MO3 film, where 0<x<1, that maintains a constant temperature or magnetic field to modulate light through birefringence, allowing for efficient and sensitive light modulation, and can function as a sensor or memory device by analyzing changes in optical transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional magneto-optical devices are used, then light modulation can be achieved, but the devices require extreme temperature ranges or high magnetic fields that are not easily accessible in industrial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter by using Eu(1-x)Sr(x)MO3 films with specific doping concentrations (0 < x < 0.5) to achieve magneto-optical effects at room temperature and low magnetic fields, resolving the contradiction between accessible operating conditions and effect stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure combining Eu(1-x)Sr(x)MO3 film with substrate, where the specific composition ratio and material combination enable enhanced magneto-optical performance at industrially accessible temperature and magnetic field ranges
2Ease of operation
If the magneto-optical effect is enhanced for industrial applicability, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific surface features (protrusions or recesses) on the substrate with controlled geometry, where the magneto-optical film is deposited selectively on these features to achieve enhanced local magneto-optical activity without complicating the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or external control systems with intrinsic material properties, using the natural magneto-optical response of Eu(1-x)Sr(x)MO3 films to achieve light modulation through simple material deposition and geometric structuring
3Productivity
If conventional substrates with deep features are used, then light modulation efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for controlled feature depths and film thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by creating surface features with moderate depth (0.1-5 μm) rather than requiring deep structures, and depositing magneto-optical film to controlled but achievable thicknesses (5-200 nm), achieving sufficient light modulation efficiency without excessive manufacturing precision demands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the substrate surface into regions with protrusions or recesses, creating discrete features that can be manufactured with standard precision while providing sufficient light interaction volume for efficient modulation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modulator achieves high efficiency and sensitivity in light modulation, enabling applications such as optical switches, sensors, and memory devices with stable operation across a range of temperatures and magnetic fields, and provides durable data storage due to the stability of crystallographic orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The light modulator being adapted to perform the modulation of the light using the birefringence of the region of material, the birefringence depending on the physical property
Implementation Method 2
an optical waveguide adapted for directing light through the region of material
Implementation Method 3
a first polarizer, a transparent magneto-optical component including a magneto-optical film deposited on a surface of a substrate, and a second polarizer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a magneto-optical light modulator (100) for modulating light based on a physical property provided as an input to the modulator (100), the modulator (100) comprising a substrate (114) with a region of material (130) comprising a film of Eu(1-x)Sr(x)MO3 (112), an optical waveguide (106; 108) adapted for directing light through the region of material (130) and a first control unit, the first control unit being adapted to - maintain the region of material (130) at a constant predefined temperature in case the physical property is an input magnetic field subject to the region of material (130) or - maintain the region of material (130) subjected to a constant predefined magnetic field in case the physical property is an input temperature of the region of material (130), the light modulator (100) being adapted to perform the modulation of the light using the birefringence of the region of material (130), the birefringence depending on the physical property.