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US 6,445,485 B1Granted
Micro-machine polarization-state controller
AssigneeAT&T Corp.
InventorsNicholas J. Frigo, Evan L. Goldstein, Lih-Yuan Lin, Chuan Pu, Robert William Tkach
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Abstract
Methods and systems for controlling the state of polarization of an optical beam using micro-machined devices are provided. By cascading a number of simple polarization state rotators integrated on a number of silicon substrates, the state of polarization of an optical beam can be effectively manipulated to any point on the Poincaré sphere.
Claims31
A method for controlling a state of polarization of an optical beam, comprising:
- receiving the optical beam;
- splitting the received optical beam into at least a first split-beam and a second split-beam;
- varying a first path length of the first split-beam relative to a second path length of the second split-beam using a first substrate;
- combining the varied first split-beam with the second split-beam to form a first phase-shifted optical beam;
- first rotating the first phase-shifted optical beam to form a first rotated optical beam based on a first angle between the first substrate and the second substrate;
- and
- phase-shifting the first rotated optical beam using the second substrate to form a second phase-shifted optical beam.
4 more elements
An apparatus for controlling a state of polarization of an optical beam, comprising:
- a first substrate;
- a first path length varying device that varies a first path length of the optical beam to selectively change the state of polarization of the optical beam, the first path length varying device including at least an adjustable micro-machined mirror mounted on the first substrate;
- a second substrate;
- a second path length varying device that includes at least an adjustable micro-machined mirror mounted on the second substrate, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are fixed at a relative angle to perform a rotation of the state of polarization.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.