Patent ID: 6373617
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
Optical device comprising:a) a first input for at least one input optical signal having a random state of polarization; b) a first optical element operable for dividing, in space, said at least one input optical signal into a pair of optical signals which are substantially parallel and have a predetermined state of polarization perpendicular to one another; c) a first crystal element for propagation, in free space, of at least said pair of optical signals coming from said first optical element, said first crystal element being devoid of internal separation planes, having electro-optical properties and being associated with electrodes so as to apply a voltage in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of propagation, along said first crystal element, of said at least one pair of optical signals; d) an optical control element for supplying at least one optical control beam, having a predetermined power, to said first crystal element, said at least one optical control beam being superimposed on said at least one pair of optical signals and having a direction of propagation which along said first crystal element is substantially perpendicular to said direction of application of said voltage, said at least one optical control beam being capable of causing to rotate through a predetermined angle the state of polarization of said at least one pair of optical signals in said first crystal element; e) a second optical element operable for combining said at least one pair of optical signals coming from said first crystal element in a single output optical signal; and f) a first output for said output optical signal.