Characterizing polarization controllers with Mueller matrix polarimetry

Jonathan J. Drewes; Russell A. Chipman; Matthew H. Smith

doi:10.1117/12.436039

30 July 2001 Characterizing polarization controllers with Mueller matrix polarimetry

Jonathan J. Drewes, Russell A. Chipman, Matthew H. Smith

Proceedings Volume 4532, Active and Passive Optical Components for WDM Communication; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.436039
Event: ITCom 2001: International Symposium on the Convergence of IT and Communications, 2001, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

A system for characterizing polarization controllers and other fiber components with Mueller matrices is presented. Most polarization controllers, such as lithium niobate modulators or PLZT electro-optical modulators, exhibit a wide range of polarization behaviors at constant drive voltage including elliptical retardance, polarization dependant loss (PDL), and depolarization. Specifying the half wave voltage for such devices describes their desired characteristic, an electrically addressable retardance, but not the undesired characteristics. Devices with complex polarization behaviors require a similarly comprehensive description of their polarization effects. We present example measurements that demonstrate how the Mueller matrix as a function of voltage provides a complete description of the desired retardance and the undesired PDL. Such polarization controller Mueller matrices can be multiplied with Mueller matrices for other photonic components to quantify how component polarizations interact.

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan J. Drewes, Russell A. Chipman, and Matthew H. Smith "Characterizing polarization controllers with Mueller matrix polarimetry", Proc. SPIE 4532, Active and Passive Optical Components for WDM Communication, (30 July 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.436039

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available