Graded index structure for optical components with reduced polarization aberrations

A waveguide configured to reduce polarization aberrations, the waveguide comprising:

• a cladding having a first index of refraction;
• and
• a core positioned within the cladding and comprising a plurality of layers positioned adjacent to one another, the core configured to accept a polarized beam incident on a facet thereof and to maintain propagation of the polarized beam within the core upon multiple total internal reflections (TIRs), wherein:
• each layer has an index of refraction that is larger than the first index of refraction,
• the indices of refraction of material of the plurality of layers are selected to produce a core with a graded index profile that varies from a higher index of refraction at an inner location of the core to a lower index of refraction at an outer location of the core in vicinity of the cladding, and
• the waveguide is configured to consist of a predetermined number of layers as part of the core such that a polarization retardance associated with the polarized beam (a) for a range of angles of incidence spanning at least 6 degrees, and (b) after a plurality of TIRs is limited to less than 10 degrees.