On-chip electro-optic non-reciprocal isolator prevents optical reflections from damaging laser sources, without bulky external magnets

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1137523

"standard foundry process compatible, uses active electro-optic phase modulation rather than magneto-optic effects, breaks optical reciprocity within micro-scale footprint... dynamically controls directional optical transmission: forward-propagating signals pass unimpeded/ destabilizing back-reflections suppressed across broad spectrum... high-density co-packaged optics and silicon photonics"