Microwave-to-optical conversion via ferromagnetic magnons has so-far been limited by the optical coupling rates achieved in mm-scale whispering gallery mode resonators. Towards overcoming this limitation, we propose and demonstrate an open magneto-optical cavity containing a thin-film of yttrium iron garnet (YIG). We achieve a 0.1 pL (100 μm3) optical mode volume, ∼50 times smaller than previous devices. From this, we estimate the magnon single-photon coupling rate is G≈50 Hz. This open cavity design offers the prospect of wavelength scale mode volumes, small polarization splittings, and good magneto-optical mode overlap. With achievable further improvements and optimization, efficient microwave-optical conversion and magnon cooling devices become a realistic possibility.
@article{arxiv.2009.04162,
title = {Sub-pico-liter magneto-optical cavities},
author = {J. A. Haigh and R. A. Chakalov and A. J. Ramsay},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2009.04162},
year = {2020}
}