Patent ID: 6075642
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: G02F,Y10S

Abstract:
A multi-port nonreciprocal optical apparatus comprising:a first isolator assembly and a second isolator assembly aligned in optical series to form an arrangement having an input port at a forward end for receiving a light beam and having an output port at a rearward end for emitting said light beam, each of said first and second isolator assemblies including:displacing means for separating first and second polarization components of said light beam propagating forwardly from said forward end to said rearward end;nonreciprocal means, disposed rearwardly of said displacing means, for rotating polarization components propagating therethrough, said rotating being nonreciprocal with respect to rotation of the forwardly propagating first and second polarization components relative to rearwardly propagating polarization components of light; andrecombining means, disposed rearwardly of said nonreciprocal means, for combining said first and second polarization components;focusing means positioned between said first and second isolator assemblies for converging the forwardly propagating light beam,wherein said first and second isolator assemblies are positioned at angles .theta. and -.theta., respectively, with respect to a propagating direction of said light beam through said focusing means to compensate for refractions when said light beam emanates from said first isolator assembly and when said light beam enters said second isolator assembly.