Polarization independent optical tap

摘要

In accordance with the invention an integrated optic device useful as a low level polarization independent optical tap comprises a pair of optical waveguides intersecting at an angle of 10 degrees-25 degrees to provide a tap signal in the range minus 20 dB to minus 60 dB. In a preferred embodiment for use in a passive repeater for undersea cable, the device comprises fiber-matching waveguides of phosphorus silicate glass on an oxide covered silicon substrate with a boron and phosphorus silicate cladding. The waveguides preferably intersect at an angle of 13 degrees-16 degrees. The preferred repeater further comprises a 3 dB coupler for averaging the power provided by two external pumping sources and a pair of wavelength division multiplexers for applying the pumping power to the outputs of the tap.