Patent ID: 6819810
Filing Date: 2004-11-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical depolarizer comprising:a non-reciprocal combination-device having a principal direction including (a) a first birefringent wedge having a first optical axis perpendicular to the principal direction, (b) a second birefringent wedge having a second optical axis perpendicular to the principal direction, the second optical axis forming a first angle with respect to the first optical axis, and (c) a non-reciprocal rotating element optically coupled between the first and the second birefringent wedge and adapted to rotate a polarization of light passing therethrough by a second angle; a birefringent block optically coupled to the second birefringent wedge, the birefringent block having a third optical axis perpendicular to the principal direction, the third optical axis forming a third angle with respect to the second optical axis; and a reflector optically coupled to the birefringent block.