Reimagining the optical diode effect for enhanced optical isolator efficiency

https://phys.org/news/2024-01-reimagining-optical-diode-effect-isolator.html

"optical communications use optical isolators having optical diode effect, which enhanced boosts efficiency and compactness... nonreciprocal IR absorption in magnetoelectric antiferromagnet LiNiPO4... absorption coefficient differs by >=2 when light direction reversed, attributed to magnetic properties of divalent nickel (Ni2+) ions... possible to switch the optical diode effect with an applied magnetic field in a non-volatile manner... needs low operating temperatures... nickel compound high performance optical diode"