Liquid Phase Epitaxial Growth of Thick Magneto-Optic Garnet Films

Growth and characterization of thick liquid phase epitaxial films of magneto-optic garnets are reviewed. In preparing thick epitaxial garnet films, it is important to make full use of the merits of epitaxial growth, and to minimize the drawbacks due to "bulk-like" behavior during thick film growth, such as morphological changes followed by flux inclusion. The primary phase region of the garnet should be checked carefully prior to epitaxial growth. A guiding principle concerning control over the level of substitution of Bi
³⁺
is reviewed. Thick epitaxial films of Bi-substituted garnets show superior magneto-optic properties, enabling practical use in optical isolators at a wavelength of 1.3 μm. Further efforts are necessary to reduce the optical absorption at 0.8 μm.