Full polarization state control utilizing linearly birefringent monomode optical fiber

An all-fiber polarization state controller, which overcomes the problems associated with the temperature dependence of the stress-optic coefficient in previously reported fiber devices is described. The controller consists of two short sections of linearly birefringent monomode fiber oriented with their eigenaxes at 45° with respect to each other. Polarization control is achieved by applying axial strain to each fiber element using piezoelectric transducers. The system is demonstrated by generating polarization states which are made to evolve along trajectories on the surface of the Poincaré sphere.