Nonreciprocal transmission of electromagnetic waves by three-layer magneto-optical mediums

We investigate the non-reciprocal transmission properties of a three-layer structure filled with magneto-optical medium and normal medium. Based on the transfer matrix method, we deduce the total transmission coefficient for a one-dimensional (1D) structure with anisotropic mediums. When two-side layers with magneto-optical medium loaded in opposite external magnetic field, the time-reversal symmetry of transmission properties will be broken. Our numerical results show that the non-reciprocal transmission properties are influenced by external magnetic fields, incident angle, and thickness of the normal medium layer. Since the non-reciprocal properties can be easily realized and adjusted by the simple structure, such a design has potential applications in integrated circulators and isolators.