Title :
Endless polarization control algorithm using adjustable linear retarders with fixed axes
Author :
Martinelli, Massimo ; Chipman, Russell A.
Author_Institution :
JDS Uniphase Corp., San Jose, CA, USA
Abstract :
New designs are presented for polarization-transforming elements equivalent to rotating quarter-wave plates and rotating half-wave plates. These are constructed from sequences of adjustable linear retarders with fixed retardation axes, such as liquid-crystal cells (untwisted nematic) and electrooptical modulators. Then, a new endless polarization control algorithm is proposed and demonstrated. The variable linear retarders in this endless polarization controller operate over a finite range of retardance without any reset or unwinding procedure. This endless algorithm can produce all possible sequences of continuous polarization state transformations.
Keywords :
electro-optical modulation; liquid crystal devices; optical fibre polarisation; optical retarders; optical variables control; adjustable linear retarders; continuous polarization state transformations; electrooptical modulators; endless polarization control algorithm; finite retardance range; fixed axes; fixed retardation axes; polarization-mode dispersion; polarization-transforming elements; rotating half-wave plates; rotating quarter-wave plates; untwisted nematic liquid-crystal cells; Electric variables control; Electrooptic modulators; Liquid crystals; Optical fiber polarization; Optical polarization; Optical retarders; Optical variables control; Personal communication networks; Polarization mode dispersion; Voltage;
Journal_Title :
Lightwave Technology, Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JLT.2003.816835
