Optical input polarization management device and associated methods

US11561347B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ayar Labs, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Pavan Bhargava · Emeryville, US
• Derek Van Orden · San Francisco, US
• Mark Wade · Berkeley, US
• John Fini · Metuchen, US
• Chen Sun · Berkeley, US
• Milos Popovic · Somerville, US
• Anatol Khilo · Lexington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 21, 2021
• Grant date: Jan 24, 2023
• Expiry date: Jul 23, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/34
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An optical input polarization management device includes a polarization splitter and rotator (PSR) that directs a portion of incoming light having a first polarization through a first optical waveguide (OW). The PSR rotates a portion of the incoming light having a second polarization to the first polarization so as to provide polarization-rotated light. The PSR directs the polarization-rotated light through a second OW. Light within the first and second OW's is input to a first two-by-two optical splitter (2×2OS). A first phase shifter (PS) is interfaced with either the first or second OW. Light is output from the first 2×2OS into a third OW and a fourth OW. Light within the third and fourth OW's is input to a second 2×2OS. A second PS is interfaced with either the third or fourth OW. Light is output from the second 2×2OS into a fifth OW for further processing.