Wavelength filter and polarizer
AssigneePhotodigm, Inc.
InventorJacob Meyer Hammer
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Abstract
A band-stop wavelength filter and TE-TM mode selector made using an absorptive layer on an optical waveguide is provided. At the correct thickness, refractive index, absorptive loss, and location of the absorptive layer, a relatively high fraction of guided-mode intensity flows in the absorptive layer for one polarization mode. A much smaller fraction flows for the perpendicular polarization mode and for wavelengths on both sides of the design center. The result is a broad-band-stop filter for the selected polarization mode. This device is capable of strong discrimination between TE and TM modes over a very broad bandwidth.
Claims18
A light polarizer, comprising:
- an optical waveguide;
- and
- an absorptive layer, wherein the absorptive layer selectively filters a first polarization mode for light while allowing a second polarization mode to pass, wherein the second polarization mode is perpendicular to the first polarization mode, and wherein the filtered polarization mode is determined by the thickness, refractive index, absorptive loss, and location of the absorptive layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.