Optical circulators

Details Optical circulators Optical circulators

1999-12-31

2002-09-03

Shafer, Ricky D. (Department: 2872)

Optical: systems and elements

Polarization without modulation

Polarization using a time invariant electric, magnetic, or...

C359S490020, C359S490020, C359S490020, C359S282000, C385S011000, C385S031000, C385S033000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06445499

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to optical communications devices. More particularly, the invention relates to an optical circulator for use with, for example, optical communications networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An optical circulator is a passive, non-reciprocal optical device that can be found in many applications, for example, optical amplifiers, dispersion compensation devices, and bidirectional optical communications systems. Because optical circulators are common components in many optical networks and devices, it is desirable to have reliable and compact circulators in order to reduce the size and cost of the networks and devices. However, current optical circulators may not be as compact and reliable as possible.
For example, the circulator disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,650,289 has an input or output port on each or four sides. Such a configuration requires optical fibers to be run in several directions in order to access the circulator. Thus, the circulator disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,650,289 does not provide a compact and efficient device when multiple circulators are included in the device.
More compact optical circulators have been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,771 discloses an optical circulator having ports on two sides. The optical circulator of U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,771 thus provides a more compact circulator that can be used more efficiently with multiple circulators. However, an improved optical circulator can be provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Optical circulators are disclosed. In one embodiment, a circulator includes a first birefringent wedge to pass optical signals traveling in a first direction without changing an optical path of the signals and to change an angle of the optical path for signals traveling in a second direction and a second birefringent wedge to pass optical signals traveling in the first direction without changing the optical path of the signals and to change the angle of the optical path for signals traveling in the second direction. The circulator also includes a non-reciprocal optical element between the first birefringent wedge and the second birefringent wedge.


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