Modeling and Simulation of a Magnetostrictive Optical Modulator with Terfenol-D Thin Film

In this work, a methodology based on the finite element method is proposed for the design and simulation of optical modulators that exploit the magnetostrictive effect, aimed at enhancing the performance of magnetometers. The study focuses on a channel-type optical waveguide whose cross-section is carefully engineered to maximize opto-mechanical interaction while ensuring straightforward integration with magnetostrictive thin films. Fabrication follows the Induced Static Stress (ISS) technique: sputter deposition of a Terfenol-D (Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.92) layer onto a bismuth germanium oxide (Bi12GeO4) substrate creates residual stresses because of mismatched thermal expansion coefficients. During operation, applied magnetic fields induce magnetostrictive deformation, which, together with the pre-existing thermal stresses, modifies the local refractive index via the elasto-optic effect, thereby enabling dynamic guiding and modulation of guided light. Numerical analysis is carried out in COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6, employing coupled structural and optical modules. A fine mesh is generated along the waveguide core, while material parameters such as Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, magnetostriction constant, and refractive indices are specified for each layer.