Optical circulator and optical switch

Details Optical circulator and optical switch Optical circulator and optical switch

2006-05-23

2006-05-23

Boutsikaris, Leonidas (Department: 2872)

Optical: systems and elements

Polarization without modulation

Depolarization

C359S490020, C359S490020, C359S483010, C385S011000, C372S703000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07050232

ABSTRACT:
A first separating/combining birefringent element10, first and second optical-path controlling birefringent elements11, 12, and a second separating/combining birefringent element13are spaced apart. Between the first separating/combining birefringent element and the first optical-path controlling birefringent element, a first polarization rotating means14is arranged for changing a polarization direction from an orthogonal relationship to a parallel relationship, or from a parallel relationship to an orthogonal relationship. Also, between the second optical-path controlling birefringent element and the second separating/combining birefringent element, a second polarization rotating means17is arranged. The first and second optical-path controlling birefringent elements are oppositely arranged symmetrically on optical axis about an arrangement center thereof, between which is arranged a ½-wavelength plate for rotating a polarization direction of a light on a central optical path 90 degrees, thereby structuring an optical circulator. With a similar structure, an optical switch can be structured by using a ±45-degree variable Faraday rotator in the first and second polarization rotation switch means.

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Masafumi Koga et al., “Polarization-Insensitive High-Isolation Optical Nonreciprocal Device for Circulator Application”, IEICE Technical Report, May 24, 1991, vol. 91, No. 61, pp. 1-6 (Abstract in English).

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