Polarization splitter and combiner and optical devices using the same
US6493140B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B27/283
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A polarization splitter and combiner for processing a beam containing a first polarization and a second polarization to spatially separate these polarizations by using a birefringent element for receiving the beam and walking off the first polarization from the second polarization by an initial walk-off distance. A first lensing element with an optical axis is oriented to admit the first polarization at a first input point and output the first polarization at a first output angle to the optical axis and the second polarization at a second output angle to the optical axis. A second lensing element positioned after the first lensing element is oriented to receive the polarizations at input angles equal to their respective output angles, and outputs both polarizations at a first and second output point respectively. In a symmetrical arrangement, the first and second output points are separated by the initial walk-off distance. Additional walk-off control elements and optics can be interposed between the first and second lensing elements, depending on the functionality of the beam splitter and combiner or optical device employing the same.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.