Multi-functional optical isolator

• Main Authors: SIPES, JR.; DONALD L, ANTHON; DOUGLAS W
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 11.07.2000
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH ISMODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THEDEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY,COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g.SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING; DEVICES USING STIMULATED EMISSION; ELECTRICITY; FREQUENCY-CHANGING; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS; OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICS; PHYSICS; TECHNIQUES OR PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION THEREOF

A multi-functional optical isolator that couples radiation from a plurality of input fibers to a plurality of output fibers such that an optical beam emitted from any particular input fiber is transmitted only to its corresponding output fiber. Additionally, an optical beam emitted in the reverse direction from any output fiber is not transmitted back into any of the input or output fibers. The multi-functional optical isolator includes a first focusing lens that collimates the optical radiation emitted from the input fibers and causes them to pass through an optical isolator. The optical isolator has polarizing elements and a magneto-optic polarization rotator. A second focusing lens focuses the optical beams into the output fibers such that the optical radiation from each input fiber is coupled to its corresponding output fiber. Additional off-axis optical elements at other wavelengths may be used for providing bulk-optic coupling of a pump light into a single-mode or multi-mode core of a doped fiber. A vee-shaped isolator with a high reflector in the isolated beam path is possible and provides for additional beams coupled through the reflector.