Title :
All-fiber 2×2 polarization-insensitive switch
Author :
Culverhouse, D.O. ; Laming, R.I. ; Farwell, S.G. ; Birks, T.A. ; Zervas, M.N.
Author_Institution :
Optoelectron. Res. Centre, Southampton Univ., UK
Abstract :
We have demonstrated a broadband, polarization-independent all-fiber switch. It is based on twisting the waist of a null taper coupler. The polarization sensitivity is reduced from 17 dB to 0.2 dB. The device has a low drive power requirement, low insertion loss and a conversion efficiency of ~100%. The null coupler is fabricated from standard telecommunications fiber and is, therefore, compatible with any existing network
Keywords :
acousto-optical switches; optical communication equipment; optical fibre couplers; optical fibre networks; 100 percent; all-fiber polarization-insensitive switch; broadband; conversion efficiency; low drive power requirement; low insertion loss; null taper coupler; reduced polarization sensitivity; standard telecommunications fiber; waist twisting; Acoustic waves; Frequency; Optical coupling; Optical fiber couplers; Optical fiber networks; Optical fiber polarization; Optical polarization; Optical retarders; Optical switches; Throughput;
Conference_Titel :
Optical Fiber Communication. OFC 97., Conference on
Conference_Location :
Dallas, TX
Print_ISBN :
1-55752-480-7
DOI :
10.1109/OFC.1997.719864
