In-line polarization-state converter
US7844151B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2766
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention discloses an in-line polarization-state converter. In the polarization converter, a laser beam is radiated onto the side of a photosensitive optical fiber. The laser beam causes the refractive index of an optical fiber core to asymmetrically vary. Birefringence is induced in a core mode of the optical fiber by the variation in the asymmetrical refractive index. An optical fiber segment having the birefringence is generally disposed on a waveguide path of the optical fiber to change the polarization state of an optical signal passing through the optical fiber segment. That is, the phase of the optical signal passing through the optical fiber is changed by radiation of laser beams, which results in a variation in polarization state. The polarization converter disposed on the waveguide path is covered with a metal tube in order to prevent the polarization converter from being bent or broken. In addition, optical fiber connectors are provided at both ends of the polarization converter for easy connection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.