Patent ID: 6208774
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A light guiding element comprising:an input port for receiving an input light signal;a beam splitter for separating said input light signal into physically separated first and second polarized light signals, said first light signal having a polarization that is orthogonal to that of said second light signal;a first polarization rotator for rotating said polarization of said first light signal such that said polarization of said first light signal is parallel to that of said second light signal;a first waveguide having first and second states, said first waveguide guiding said first light signal along a predetermined path in said first state while not guiding said first light signal in said second state;a second waveguide having first and second states, said second waveguide guiding said second light signal along a predetermined path in said first state while not guiding said second light in said second state;a second polarization rotator for rotating said polarization of said first light signal such that said polarization of said first light signal is orthogonal to that of said second light signal; anda beam combiner for combining said first and second light signals.