Abstract

Optical guided-wave devices offer great potential for single-mode lightwave communication applications. However, typical integrated-optic devices function effectively for a single linear polarization, while available low-loss single-mode fibers do not maintain linear polarization.¹ Although specially fabricated fibers with stress-induced birefringence that maintain linear polarization have been demonstrated,² the losses are typically high, and questions concerning cabling and splicing ease are yet to be answered. Thus to be compatible, available single-mode fiber, integrated optic devices must operate effectively for arbitrary polarization.

© 1981 Optical Society of America