Polarization-dependent coupling in twin-core photonic crystal fibers

The polarization dependence of light coupling in photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) with sixfold symmetric dual cores and highly birefringent dual cores are numerically investigated. The characteristics of PCF-based couplers, such as coupling length, extinction ratio and form birefringence, are examined as functions of the air-hole size and pitch. The silica bridges between air holes take an important role in the energy transfer across the two cores. We believe that the mechanism of light coupling in PCF-based couplers is different from that of conventional waveguide couplers. The polarization dependent coupling can be reduced by adjusting the air holes around the cores of PCFs. On the other hand, the polarization dependent coupling can be enhanced by introducing high birefringence in the two cores.