An optical isolator, or optical diode, is an optical component which allows the transmission of light in only one direction. It is typically used to prevent unwanted feedback into an optical oscillator, such as a laser cavity. The operation of the device depends on the Faraday effect (which in turn is produced by magneto-optic effect), which is used in the main component, the Faraday rotator.
Read more about Optical Isolator: Theory, Polarization Dependent Isolator, Polarization Independent Isolator, The Faraday Rotator, Optical Isolators and Thermodynamics
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