Realization of self-guided unidirectional waveguides by a chain of gyromagnetic rods

To achieve a unidirectional transmission waveguide with miniature dimensions and flexible geometry, we propose a self-guided unidirectional waveguide composed of a chain of gyromagnetic rods. Two configurations of the waveguides were demonstrated. One is of a zigzag chain form, the other is a straightline chain. These two types of waveguides have very wide one-way edge mode bandwidths. The simulated and experimental results illustrate their extraordinary wideband one-way transmission characteristics. They can also be expected to function as flexible platforms for practical applications because of their thin transverse dimensions and robustness to bending. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America