Patent ID: 6091866
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A multi-stage optical isolator comprising:a birefringent crystal at an input end of the isolator;a birefringent crystal at an output end of the isolator; and,a first non-reciprocal rotating element, a second birefringent crystal, a second non-reciprocal rotating element, a third birefringent crystal, a third non-reciprocal rotating element and a reciprocal rotating element disposed between the birefringent crystal at the input end of the isolator and the birefringent crystal at the output end of the isolator being disposed such that input light directed into the birefringent crystal at the input end of the isolator is directed through said elements, and to substantially prevent light at the output end directed toward the input end from propagating into the input end of the isolator, wherein the number of birefringent crystals is less than two times the number of non-reciprocal rotating elements.