Patent ID: 6407861
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: G02B,Y10S

Abstract:
An optical circulator, comprising:a reflective polarizer adapted to transmit light having a first polarization direction and reflect light having a second polarization direction orthogonal to the first polarization direction; a first non-reciprocal polarization rotator positioned to transmit light propagating in a first direction from the reflective polarizer; a second non-reciprocal polarization rotator positioned to transmit light reflected by the reflective polarizer after propagating in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first reflector positioned to reflect light from the second non-reciprocal polarization rotator to the reflective polarizer; a third non-reciprocal polarization rotator positioned to transmit light reflected by the first reflector; and a second reflector positioned to reflect light from the third non-reciprocal polarization rotator to the reflective polarizer; wherein at least one of the first and second reflectors is orientationally adjustable to alter a propagation path of a light beam propagating through the optical circulator.