Patent ID: 6288826
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A multi-stage optical isolator having at least two stages, comprising:an input birefringent crystal for splitting an input beam into two orthogonally polarized sub-beams;an output birefringent crystal for combining two orthogonally polarized beams into a single output beam at an output end thereof;first rotating means for rotating the polarization of the beams received from an output end of the input birefringent crystal;second rotating means for rotating the polarization of the beams directed to the input end of the output birefringent crystal; anda centrally disposed crystal substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the input and output birefringent crystals, disposed between the first and second rotating means for merging two rotated beams received from the first rotating means, and for splitting said beams after they merge therein to provide two separated beams to the second rotating means.