Optically Driven All-Fiber Polarization Rotator

We demonstrate an optically activated all-fiber polarization rotator based on polymer-azobenzene complexes. The azo compound (Disperse Red 1) was incorporated into a polymeric matrix (PDMS) using the guest-host technique and the resulting azopolymer was used as coating for tapered fiber devices. These photosensitive devices were then integrated in a fiber ring laser cavity, and the optically induced birefringence was monitored via changes in the polarization state of the fiber laser output. Our experimental results show that these azopolymer coated fiber devices provide a simple means for developing optically controlled polarization rotation in optical fibers.