Polarization-independent optical isolator in a Sagnac-type configuration

Chapter 5: Polarization-Independent Magneto-Optical Isolator Using TM-Mode Nonreciprocal Phase Shift

Sagnac-loop phase shifter with polarization-independent operation.

A bulk-optics, polarization-independent phase shifter for photonic quantum information applications is demonstrated. The device is based on a transverse electro-optic modulator in a Sagnac-type loop containing Faraday rotators. This direction-dependent polarization rotation in the loop is combined with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to form an optical switch with an on/off contrast of 96% and a ...

The Polarization Sagnac Interferometer as a Candidate Configuration for an Advanced Detector

We present a delay-line polarization Sagnac (1) interferometer that utilizes the increased laser power which will likely be available to future advanced detectors (2) to greatly simplify many laser and interferometer control requirement. We describe how the signal sidebands and the local oscillator are made common path by using a polarizing beamsplitter and controlling the circulating light's p...

Polarization Dependence Suppression of Optical Fiber Grating Sensor in a π-Shifted Sagnac Loop Interferometer

In the sensing applications of optical fiber grating, it is necessary to reduce the transmission-type polarization dependence to isolate the sensing parameter. It is experimentally shown that the polarization-dependent spectrum of acousto-optic long-period fiber grating sensors can be suppressed in the transmission port of a π-shifted Sagnac loop interferometer. General expressions for the tran...

Polarization-independent optical switch composed of holographic optical elements.

A novel 2 x 2 polarization-independent optical switch with holographic optical elements is proposed. The switch consists of an electro-optic half-wave plate sandwiched between two pairs of holographic polarization beam splitters. Normally incident input and output couplings of this compact and lightweight device provide better flexibility and easier alignment for system applications.