Patent ID: 9046653
Filing Date: 2015-06-02
Classification: G02B,H04B

Abstract:
1. A polarization dependent loss (PDL) compensator comprising: first and second input/output terminals configured to input and output optical signals; a PDL compensation device configured to create a loss or gain difference between a first polarization principal axis and a second polarization principal axis of an optical signal input from the first or second input/output terminal; a polarization switch unit configured to, before the optical signal input from the first or second input/output terminal enters the PDL compensation device, switch between the first polarization principal axis and the second polarization principal axis of the optical signal depending on which of the first polarization principal axis and the second polarization principal axis has a larger loss or gain; a first polarization maintaining optical waveguide connecting the first input/output terminal and an input end of a polarization connector portion, while maintaining the state of polarization of an optical signal propagating therethrough; and a second polarization maintaining optical waveguide connecting an output end of the polarization connector portion and an end of the PDL compensation device, while maintaining the state of polarization of an optical signal propagating therethrough, wherein the polarization switch unit is configured to function as a polarization switch that changes the state of polarization of the optical signal input from the first input/output terminal.