Variable polarization separation via beam splitter rotation

摘要

An apparatus for separating polarization of light includes a rotatable beam splitter including an input for receiving light with a first polarization and an output for outputting light with a second polarization different from the first polarization. Rotation of the rotatable beam splitter changes the first polarization of the input light to the second polarization of the output light. An optical network and method are also set forth.

主权项

1. An apparatus for separating polarization of light, comprising:
a rotatable beam splitter including a birefringent crystal having an X axis perpendicular to a Y axis such that the rotatable beam splitter is rotatable to a first position to align the X axis with a parallel polarization and the Y axis with a perpendicular polarization and rotatable to a second position to align the Y axis with the parallel polarization and the X axis with the perpendicular polarization, an input fiber coupled to the birefringent crystal for receiving light with a first polarization, a first output fiber coupled to the birefringent crystal, for outputting light with a polarization different from the first polarization, and a second output fiber coupled to the birefringent crystal for outputting light with a polarization different from the first polarization, wherein rotation of the rotatable beam splitter changes a ratio of power of light coupled to the first output fiber and power of light coupled to the second output fiber.