Active components in photonic integrated circuits using electron spins in quantum dots

Applications for photonic integrated circuit technologies based on the conditional Faraday Effect with electron spins in quantum dots are discussed. The interaction of light with the quantum confined electrons leads to a rotation of the light polarization. Design considerations for polarization multiplexing systems and plasmon resonance sensors based on polarization rotation are presented. Calculations for light of wavelengths λ=1.3 μm and λ=1.55 μm show devices with active regions of a few hundred microns are possible using InAs/GaAs quantum dots. The advantages of spin-based devices are also discussed.