Optical isolator and variable optical attenuator isolator using liquid crystals

摘要

A combination optical element is disclosed wherein the functions of an optical isolator, a variable attenuator and an optical switch are combined into a component optical device. The optical element provides robust optical signal generation and detection and can compensate for polarization dependent losses of other optical devices. The proper combination of devices to form the combination optical element is disclosed so that proper propagation of optical signals in the forward and backward direction is preserved.