Devices and methods for polarization splitting

A polarization splitter, comprising:

• a first optical coupler having at least one input port which receives an input light beam, and at least two output ports at which said light beam is split into at least a first arm and a second arm, wherein first ends of said first and second arms are coupled to the at least two output ports of the first optical coupler,
• a series of at least two total internal reflection mirrors coupled to at least said second arm for inducing polarization-dependent phase shifts in the light beam propagating in said second arm, and
• a second optical coupler having input ports coupled to second ends of said first and second arms, wherein said second ends of said first and second arms are opposite ends compared to said first ends of said first and second arms, and the light beams of the first and second arms have a polarization-dependent phase difference of 90 or 180 degrees induced by said phase shifts, which causes a polarization-dependent coupling of light from said input port to at least one output port of the second coupler, wherein said series of total internal reflection mirrors is used to achieve a targeted polarization-dependent phase difference between said first and second arms.