Abstract

Single-polarization fiber optic and integrated optic devices are required for phase-sensitive optical systems such as fiber optic gyroscopes and coherent communications. Recently, there has been significant improvement in the performance of polarization-maintaining fiber [1], polarizing fiber [2], and polarization-preserving fiber components including polarizers [3] and couplers [4]. These components are becoming commercially available. Development of single-polarization integrated optic devices and circuits has progressed much more slowly and only recently have high-quality proton-exchanged LiNbO₃ and LiTaO₃ integrated optic devices been reported [5-10].

© 1989 Optical Society of America