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We survey the most recent results on synthesis and properties of luminescent magneto-optical photonic crystals (MOPCs) based on rare earth iron and gallium garnet multilayers. Magnetron sputtered heteroepitaxial MOPCs demonstrate optical nonreciprocity with a record high MO quality and a latching type (magnetic remnant) Faraday rotation. Being substituted with Er-ions, they take advantage of strong photoluminescence enhancement due to the light localization and Fe³⁺-to-Er³⁺ sensitizing effect. Strongly luminescent MOPCs promise built-in intelligence: ability to simultaneously recognize, process and store optical data, make color filtering, and amplify optical signals.

heteroepitaxial garnet multilayers; nonreciprocity; Faraday effect; photoluminescence; optical memory