Title :
Polarization-independent in-line optical isolator with lens-free configuration
Author :
Shiraishi, Kazuo ; Chuzenji, Tomohiro ; Kawakami, Shojiro
Author_Institution :
Fac. of Eng., Utsunomiya Univ., Japan
fDate :
12/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A fiber-embedded polarization-independent optical isolator that consists of an isolator chip, and thermally expanded core (TEC) fibers, and that has no lens elements was developed. The chip was made of birefringent crystal plates, rutile polarization-splitters, a quartz half-wave plate, and a Faraday rotation garnet, with the chip embedded into a TEC fiber. By utilizing the proper orientation flat formed on the edge of each plate, alignment of these plates was simplified. Measured backward and forward losses at a wavelength of 1.55 μm are >40 dB and ~2.5 dB, respectively, which agree with predicted values. It is also shown that the characteristics would be dramatically improved by utilizing new polarization splitters instead of rutile plates. Experimental results support the promise of constructing fiber-integrated isolators which then enable the mass-production of inline isolators
Keywords :
Faraday effect; optical communication equipment; optical fibres; optical isolators; optical losses; optical rotation; 1.55 micron; 2.5 dB; 40 dB; Faraday rotation garnet; IR; alignment; backward loss measurement; birefringent crystal plates; fiber-embedded polarization-independent optical isolator; fiber-integrated isolators; fibre embedded chip; forward losses; in-line optical isolator; isolator chip; lens-free configuration; mass-production; polarization splitters; quartz half-wave plate; rutile polarization-splitters; thermally expanded core; Birefringence; Garnets; Isolators; Lenses; Loss measurement; Optical fiber polarization; Optical polarization; Optical retarders; Thermal expansion; Thermal lensing;
Journal_Title :
Lightwave Technology, Journal of
