In-line fiber optic polarization combiner/divider

摘要

An inline fiber optic polarization combiner/divider is proposed for use in fiber optic communications. It utilizes a polarizing beam splitting cube (PBSC) or a birefringent displacer located between a pair of collimating lenses. A reflecting film (either external or directly applied to one of the faces of the PBSC or birefringent displacer) is used to completely reflect one of the two polarizations and is positioned such that the optical path length between the lens and the reflecting film is equal to one focal length in order to accomplish an optical path where the input and output optical fibers are in-line with the package.