Integrated polarization splitter and rotator including a third region for tuning the polarization dependent loss of output transverse electric signals

摘要

An integrated polarization splitter and rotator (PSR) employs the TE0 and TE1 modes of propagating light, rather than the TE0 and TM0 modes used in conventional prior art PSR. The integrated PSR exhibits appreciably flatter wavelength response because it does not require a directional coupler to de-multiplex incoming polarizations. The PSR allows tuning of the TM0 loss to reduce polarization dependent loss (PDL). This integrated polarization splitter and rotator is applicable to all integrated platforms including Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) and III-V semiconductor compound systems. The PSR may be very compact (12×2 μm²), and provides low loss (0.3 dB across the C-band) and ultra-broadband operation. The PSR also affords better control of polarization dependent losses.