Polarization independent nonlinear optical loop mirror

Summary form only given. Nonlinear optical loop mirrors (NOLMs), have been investigated in relation to such applications as optical switching, demultiplexing, phase conjugation, and fiber laser mode-locking. The experimental operation of a NOLM is complicated by the presence of both birefringence and optical activity induced by twist. As a consequence their operation depends in a quite complicated way on input polarization. We have analyzed the operation of a NOLM with birefringent fiber. The analysis is based on the evolution of the parameters of Stokes on the Poincare sphere. Firstly the evolution of circularly polarized component is calculated. The nonlinear propagation of these components in a birefringent fiber with twist is described by coupled nonlinear differential equations.