Miniature circulator array devices and methods for making the same
US6785431B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S372/703
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Miniature optical devices, including circulator array devices, are fabricated using thin film coating technology. A typical optical device according to the present invention includes a spatial walkoff plate (SWP) coupled on opposite ends to first and second polarization orientation elements. First and second polarization beam splitter (PBS) elements are coupled to the first and second polarization orientation elements, respectively. The PBS elements are formed using thin film coating techniques and each includes an array of port coupling regions for coupling to an array of input/output fiber port assemblies. The SWP may be formed using thin film coating techniques or cut from a birefringent single crystal. Each polarization orientation element includes a Faraday rotator element, and in some embodiments, each also includes a wave plate formed using thin film coating techniques. The Faraday rotator elements are periodically poled in some embodiments using selective poling techniques to create oppositely oriented (bi-directional) magnetic domains so that polarization rotations of 45° in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions can be simultaneously achieved on the same magn…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.