Endless polarization control algorithm using adjustable linear retarders with fixed axes

• Published in: Journal of lightwave technology Vol. 21; no. 9; pp. 2089 - 2096
• Main Authors: Martinelli, M., Chipman, R.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.09.2003; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Adjustable; Applied sciences; Circuit properties; Control theory; Electric variables control; Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits; Electronics; Electrooptic modulators; Exact sciences and technology; Integrated optics. Optical fibers and wave guides; Liquid crystals; Modulators; Optical and optoelectronic circuits; Optical fiber polarization; Optical polarization; Optical retarders; Optical variables control; Personal communication networks; Plates; Polarization; Polarization mode dispersion; Retarders; Rotating; Transformations; Voltage; Wave plate; Optical telecommunication; Automatic control; polarization control; Optical fiber communication; polarization; Retarder; polarization-mode dispersion (PMD); Algorithm; Liquid crystals; Polarization mode dispersion; Wave polarization
• ISSN: 0733-8724; 1558-2213
• DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2003.816835

New designs are presented for polarization-transforming elements equivalent to rotating quarter-wave plates and rotating half-wave plates. These are constructed from sequences of adjustable linear retarders with fixed retardation axes, such as liquid-crystal cells (untwisted nematic) and electrooptical modulators. Then, a new endless polarization control algorithm is proposed and demonstrated. The variable linear retarders in this endless polarization controller operate over a finite range of retardance without any reset or unwinding procedure. This endless algorithm can produce all possible sequences of continuous polarization state transformations.