CdMnTe single crystals for room temperature optical isolator

Measurements that have been performed indicate that CdMnTe single crystal would be a useful material for the Faraday optical isolators working in the near-infrared region at room temperature. Wavelength dependences of Faraday rotation and absorption coefficient were investigated at room temperature for Cd1-xMnxTe with 0.05≤x≤0.15. The strong influence of the Mn content on Faraday rotation was observed. Low optical absorption in the range of 0.1/0.3 cm-1 was achieved for wide region of the Mn content. The Faraday rotation as well as the optical absorption wavelength characteristics of CdMnTe are discussed. By changing the Mn content it is possible to optimize the rotator for a given wavelength. (copyright 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)