Patent ID: 6014475
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
A non reciprocal optical device for transmitting light in a forward and reverse direction substantially independently of polarization state from a collection of waveguides comprising:a first array of spaced apart waveguides comprising at least a first wave guide and a second waveguide;a second array of spaced apart waveguides comprising at least a third waveguide;imaging means for focusing a diverging beam of light disposed between said first array and said second array of waveguides;at least two polarization equalization means for polarization equalization of diverging or converging light, each of said polarization equalization means disposed between a waveguide array and said imaging means; anda plurality of polarization rotation means disposed between each waveguide array;wherein light from said first waveguide is transmitted to said third waveguide and light from said third waveguide is transmitted to said second waveguide in a polarization independent manner and further wherein said polarization equalization means and said imaging means are disposed with respect to one another and with respect to the respective first, second and third waveguides such that light radiating from each of the first, second and third waveguides first passes through one of the at least two polarization equalization means prior to passing through said imaging means which is located between said polarization equalization means.