Polarization state scrambler
US11067837B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/0139
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods are described that efficiently convert an incident light having a particular polarization into light having a plurality of polarizations that are distributed according to a particular pattern. For example, the output light can have a plurality of plurality of polarization states that are randomly distribute over the Poincaré sphere. One polarization scrambler includes a plurality of polarization elements positioned to receive polarized or partially polarized light. Each polarization element includes a half waveplate to rotate a polarization direction of the polarized or partially polarized light, and a quarter waveplate to receive light that exits the first layer and to change a polarization state of the light that exits the first layer to another polarization state. The polarization scrambler further includes a substrate to receive the light after exiting the quarter waveplate, and to provide the output light that includes a plurality of polarization states.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.