Polarization-independent demultiplexing with a polarization diversity nonlinear optical loop mirror

Polarization independence is a prerequisite if all-optical demultiplexing is to be implemented in future high-speed communication links. The nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) switch has shown potential to work at very high speed. Polarization-independent switching in the NOLM has previously been reported using cross-spliced polarization-maintaining fibers and by inserting control pulses through a wavelength-division multiplexer (WDM). We present a polarization-diversity NOLM to achieve polarization independence using standard dispersion-shifted fiber in the NOLM with no WDM required